Meaning
Playfulness, sauciness, coquettish liveliness.
How Iqbal uses it
Shokhi is the mischievous vivacity of the beloved, the teasing brightness that animates beauty; Iqbal also uses it for the spirited boldness of thought and verse.
See it in the verse
Shokhi in Iqbal’s couplets
Khudi ki shokhi-o-tundi mein kibr-o-naaz nahin
Jo naaz ho bhi to be-lazzat-e-niyaz nahin
Jo naaz ho bhi to be-lazzat-e-niyaz nahin
There is no arrogance or vanity in the spirited fierceness of selfhood — and any pride it does carry is never without the sweetness of humility.
Selfhood · Humility
Faqat nigah se hota hai faisla dil ka
Na ho nigah mein shokhi to dilbari kya hai
Na ho nigah mein shokhi to dilbari kya hai
The heart's verdict is settled by a glance alone — and if there is no spark in the glance, what charm is left at all?
Love · Courage · Self-Knowledge