tiki: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Specialized)informal, cultural, historical; used in contexts of art, anthropology, tourism, and retro pop culture.
Quick answer
What does “tiki” mean?
a carved wooden or stone figure, usually representing a humanoid form with a large head, originating in Polynesian cultures and often associated with protection, luck, or as a deity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a carved wooden or stone figure, usually representing a humanoid form with a large head, originating in Polynesian cultures and often associated with protection, luck, or as a deity.
In modern Western contexts, often refers to a style of decor, bar, or cocktail associated with a tropical, mid-20th century 'Polynesian pop' aesthetic, or to a Maori cultural concept of the first human.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical, though the 'tiki bar' phenomenon is more historically associated with post-WWII American pop culture.
Connotations
In both, can have positive connotations (exotic, fun, nostalgic) or negative ones (cultural appropriation, kitsch).
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the stronger historical presence of tiki bars and themed restaurants.
Grammar
How to Use “tiki” in a Sentence
[modifier] + tiki (e.g., wooden tiki, ceremonial tiki)tiki + [of + place] (e.g., tiki of the Marquesas)tiki + [made of + material]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tiki” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (No standard verb use)
American English
- (No standard verb use)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb use)
American English
- (No standard adverb use)
adjective
British English
- The garden had a faintly tiki feel with its bamboo fencing.
- It was a tiki-inspired lounge.
American English
- They threw a tiki-themed luau for the summer party.
- The apartment's tiki decor is very authentic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in hospitality/tourism: 'The hotel renovated its tiki bar to attract a retro clientele.'
Academic
Used in anthropology, art history, and cultural studies: 'The paper examines the commodification of the tiki symbol in postcolonial tourism.'
Everyday
Most common in describing decor or themed venues: 'We had drinks at the new tiki bar downtown.' 'He collects vintage tiki mugs.'
Technical
In anthropology, refers specifically to Polynesian/Maori anthropomorphic carvings with spiritual significance.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tiki”
- Capitalizing it as a proper noun (use 'tiki', not 'Tiki', unless it's part of a brand name).
- Using it as a countable noun for the style itself (incorrect: 'I love the tiki.' correct: 'I love tiki decor.').
- Assuming it refers to all Polynesian carvings (it's a specific style of anthropomorphic figure).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, etymologically it originates from Polynesian languages (Maori, Marquesan, etc.). However, in modern Western usage, it often refers to a stylized, commercial interpretation of that culture.
A themed bar that employs a South Seas or Polynesian-inspired aesthetic, popularized in the United States in the mid-20th century, known for elaborate cocktails, bamboo decor, and carved figures.
It depends on context. Referring to authentic Polynesian art and culture with respect is generally acceptable. Using it for themed parties or bars can be seen as cultural appropriation or trivialization of sacred symbols, a topic of ongoing debate.
A tiki is a Polynesian (Central/South Pacific) anthropomorphic carving, often a single figure. A totem pole is a tall, narrative sculpture carved from large trees, created by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America.
a carved wooden or stone figure, usually representing a humanoid form with a large head, originating in Polynesian cultures and often associated with protection, luck, or as a deity.
Tiki is usually informal, cultural, historical; used in contexts of art, anthropology, tourism, and retro pop culture. in register.
Tiki: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtiː.ki/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtiː.ki/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None standard. Possible coinage: 'to go tiki' meaning to adopt a tropical-themed aesthetic.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of Tiki Torches: the brand name uses the word, linking it to outdoor, tropical-style lighting.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORIGINAL CULTURE: TIKI IS A VESSEL FOR MANA (spiritual power). MODERN CULTURE: TIKI IS ESCAPE (to a tropical paradise).
Practice
Quiz
In an anthropological context, a 'tiki' is primarily: