Word Meaning
नमक-असर
namak-asar
hiadjective
Meaning
Having the stinging or smarting effect of salt; sharp and painful.
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu poetics, 'namak-asar' describes something that carries the pungent, burning effect of salt, specifically tears falling upon a wounded heart. In this couplet, it serves as an epithet for tears ('sarishk'), portraying them as aggravating pain rather than soothing it. It emphasizes how the lover's suffering feeds upon its own outward expressions of grief.
Etymology
Persian 'namak' (salt) + Arabic 'asar' (effect, impression).
Usage
Frequently used in classical ghazal poetry to liken saline tears to salt rubbed into the lover's wounded heart.
Examples
tears with the smarting effect of salt
a painful sigh with the sting of salt
Synonyms
दर्द-अंगेज़सोज़नाकजलन-दार
Related Words
नमक-पाशसरिश्कज़ख़्मख़राश