Word Meaning
लिबासी
libaasi
Meaning
Superficial, artificial, or hypocritical; also clothed rather than enduring naked devotion.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'libaasi' denotes something superficial, feigned, or merely an outward pretense, derived from 'libaas' (clothing). In this couplet, it derides false or conventional lovers who merely keep up outward appearances of passion instead of enduring true madness and sacrifice. Their claims of tearing robes in sorrow are exposed as insincere, unwilling to suffer actual loss.
Etymology
Arabic 'libās' (garment, clothing) + Persian relational suffix '-ī'.
Usage
In ghazal poetry, it is often employed to contrast superficial pretenders with true, self-effacing lovers who embrace madness and dust.
Examples
Do not trust their mourning; their sorrow is purely libaasi.
True passion strips away all pride, but they remain libaasi.