Word Meaning
बुराई
burā'ī
Meaning
Ill, fault, slander, defect, or disparagement.
Detailed Meaning
In classical poetry, 'burā'ī' signifies wickedness, flaws, or specifically speaking ill of someone through slander or reproach. In this couplet, it denotes malicious talk or disparagement; the lover consoles himself that even if he is being spoken of with multiple reproaches, his mention is still fortunate because it is taking place in the beloved's gathering. Thus, even ill fame is embraced as an avenue of remembrance.
Etymology
Hindustani / New Indo-Aryan derivation from the adjective 'बुरा' (burā), related to Prakrit, suffixed with the abstract noun formant '-ई' (-ī).
Usage
In ghazal poetry, it frequently conveys the bittersweet paradox of a lover taking pride in slander, since even negative speech ensures presence in the beloved's memory.
Examples
Even through ill report, my name reached the gathering.
Do not listen if someone speaks ill of another.