Word Meaning
लबी
labi
Meaning
Pertaining to lips; (in compounds) whispering or speaking under the breath.
Detailed Meaning
Derived from the Persian 'lab' (lip), 'labi' refers to something pertaining to the lips, most commonly encountered in classical Urdu poetry within the genitive phrase 'zer-e-labi' meaning a murmur or undertone. In this couplet, 'harf zer-e-labi' signifies words spoken in an undertone or muffled whisper that unexpectedly turned into widespread public gossip. It highlights the vulnerability of intimate secrets becoming open rumors.
Etymology
Persian: from 'lab' (lip) with the relational or abstract suffix '-ī'.
Usage
In classical ghazals, it is predominantly used in the compound 'zer-e-labi' to portray suppressed smiles, sighs, or veiled complaints.
Examples
A silent, suppressed smile lingered upon her lips.
The secret was spoken under the breath.