Word Meaning
रंग-रेज़ी
rang-rezi
Meaning
Dyeing, coloring; figurative adornment, embellishment, or artful pretense.
Detailed Meaning
Literally referring to the trade or act of dyeing cloth with colors, 'rang-rezi' in Persian and Urdu poetry metaphorically signifies embellishment, false coloring, or deceptive affectation. In the given couplet by Ghalib, it describes the illusory embellishments of self-regard (khud-bini), warning of the shame that attends such vanity. It highlights an artificial coloring of reality compared against the stark, plain truth.
Etymology
Persian compound formed from 'rang' (color) + 'rez' (present stem of 'rekhtan', to pour or scatter) + nominal suffix '-i'.
Usage
In classical ghazals, 'rang-rezi' frequently stands as a metaphor for creative imagination or deceitful vanity rather than literal fabric dyeing.
Examples
rang-rezi-e-hayaal (the colorful embellishment of imagination)
khatam hui jahan rang-rezi-e-bahar (where the vivid coloring of spring came to an end)