Word Meaning
फ़रंगी
farangi
hiadjective
Meaning
European, Western, or British; relating to the West.
Detailed Meaning
The term historically refers to Europeans or Westerners, derived from the Frankish crusaders. In this couplet, it qualifies ideas and philosophies, referring to modern Western intellectual influences that distract Arab and Islamic thought. It often carries an overtone of colonial dominance or ideological alienation.
Etymology
Persian 'farangī' (فرنگی), ultimately derived from the ethnonym 'Frank' via medieval Arabic / Mediterranean trade routes.
Usage
In classical and modern Urdu poetry, especially in Iqbal and nationalistic verse, it frequently stands for Western imperialism and cultural materialism.
Examples
enamored by the glitter of the Western world
the intellectual deceit of the foreigner
Synonyms
मग़रिबीयूरोपीयअंग्रेज़
Related Words
फ़रंगफ़रंगिस्तानमग़रिब