लाल

Meaning

Ruby; a precious red gem; metaphorically, ruby-red lips or exquisite words.

Detailed Meaning

In classical Urdu poetry, 'la'l' denotes a precious ruby, admired for its brilliance and deep red color. In this couplet, it evokes both the crimson lips of the beloved ('la'l-e-lab') and the priceless words the poet utters in praise. The poet creates a conceit around 'la'l ugalna' (to spit gems), turning speech into scattering rubies.

Etymology

Arabic and Persian (لعل, la'l), denoting a ruby or spinel.

Usage

In the ghazal tradition, 'la'l' commonly forms the izafat compound 'la'l-e-lab' to praise the beloved's lips, or represents precious words of verse.

Examples

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Related Words