Word Meaning
फ़ाक़ा-मस्ती
faaqa-masti
Meaning
Carefree merriment or high spirits despite acute poverty and starvation.
Detailed Meaning
The term denotes the bohemian state of maintaining high spirits and joy despite being destitute and hungry. In this couplet, it captures the speaker's nonchalant indulgence in wine bought on credit, fully aware that this reckless merriment in the face of poverty will eventually bring dire consequences. It is an emblematic trait of the classical 'rind' who scorns worldly prudence.
Etymology
Compound formed from Arabic 'fāqa' (فاقہ - hunger, poverty) and Persian 'mastī' (مستی - intoxication, ecstasy).
Usage
In classical Urdu ghazal, it is praised as a noble mark of the lover or dervish who scorns material luxury and embraces hardship with cheerful indifference.
Examples
A life spent in joyous starvation and disregard for wealth.
The proud intoxication that comes from having nothing to lose.