In our everyday conversations, two Urdu words often come up: (خط) “KHat” and (چٹھی) “chitthi” both referring to letters. Although writing letters has become rare in the age of instant messaging and social media, there was a time when handwritten lett ...continue reading

The idiom "Miin Mekh Nikaalna" (مین میکھ نکالنا) is often used in everyday speech to describe someone who finds unnecessary faults, raises objections over trivial matters, or is overly critical. At first glance, it might seem like just another colorf ...continue reading

Two simple Urdu words, yet they carry within them centuries of culture, language, etiquette, and emotion. This humble phrase is more than just a greeting — it's a living expression of India’s syncretic heritage, often referred to as the Ganga-Jamuni ...continue reading

If you're a fan of Urdu poetry, there's no way you've missed the word andaaz (انداز). It signifies more than just style—it's a world of coquetry, grace, and allure. In the rich tradition of Urdu ghazals, andaaz embodies the delicate gestures of the m ...continue reading

E'raab is an Arabic word that means "diacritical marks," "vowel marks," or "diacritics" in script. It is also called “Harakaat,” meaning movements. In Hindi, e'raab is called maatraaen (मात्राएँ) ...continue reading

The linguistic phenomenon of how words evolve and travel through different meanings is truly fascinating. In this discussion, we are going to explore a few Urdu words and their journey through time and languages to understand how their meanings shift ...continue reading

Imagine a world devoid of colours. Colours play a significant role in influencing human moods. However, various civilizations and regions have developed unique associations and prejudices tied to specific colors. These associations are deeply embedde ...continue reading

Can we find a connection between رسہ کشی 'rasaa-kashii' (tug of war), پنجہ کشی 'panjah-kashi', and دلکشی 'dil-kashii' (captivating the heart)? Yes, indeed. These words share a common thread - the Persian-origin word 'kash', meaning 'to pull' or 'to ...continue reading

Words are not merely inanimate objects; they possess their own essence and a life of their own, marked by a myriad of ups and downs. Within them lies a unique drama and a form of romance. Behind words, astonishing stories, traditions, and historical ...continue reading

The renowned Urdu poet Daagh Dehlvi, whose ghazals have been sung by numerous illustrious artists, says about Urdu language, in one of his much quoted shair ...continue reading