रेख़्ता डिक्शनरी ब्लॉग

Miin Mekh Nikaalna: From Zodiac Signs to Nitpicking Minds" —A Cultural and Astrological Insight into an Urdu-Hindi Idiom

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

“Aadaab Arz Hai” – A Salute to the Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb

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

From the art of the archer to the allure of the beloved—Andaaz

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

The Power of E'raab: Shaping Urdu Words

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 Journey of Urdu Words: From Vilaayat to Sufism

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

Black and White in Urdu Expressions

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

The tapestry of Urdu Words

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

From Horns to Crowns

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 Essence of Urdu Language: A Reflection: ki aatī hai urdu zabāñ aate aate

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

Understanding A Few Urdu Prefixes

In the formation of compound words in Urdu, the word that precedes is called saabiqa (سابقہ), or the prefix, while the word that follows is called laahiqa (لاحقہ), or the suffix ...continue reading