Word Meaning
ला'ल
la'l
Meaning
Ruby, a precious red gemstone; also prized words or crimson lips.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu and Persian poetry, 'la'l' denotes a precious ruby, frequently used as a metaphor for the beloved's soft, red lips. In this couplet, it carries a clever double meaning: the speaker praises the beloved's ruby lips and in doing so, utters words as rare and radiant as precious gems ('la'l ugalna' meaning to speak brilliantly). It reflects the classical trope where fine speech matches the beauty it describes.
Etymology
Persian (لعل / la'l), ultimately of Arabic or earlier Semitic origin.
Usage
Commonly used in ghazal poetry to describe the beloved's lips or metaphorically for masterfully crafted poetic verses.
Examples
la'l ugalte hain sukhan-var / gem-like words flow from the poet
la'l-e-lab-e-butaan / the ruby lips of the beloveds