totem pole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2neutral, but careful use required due to cultural context; the metaphorical usage is common in informal/business contexts.
Quick answer
What does “totem pole” mean?
A tall wooden pole carved with symbols or figures representing family lineage, clan ancestry, or spiritual beliefs, created by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest coast of North America.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tall wooden pole carved with symbols or figures representing family lineage, clan ancestry, or spiritual beliefs, created by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest coast of North America.
A hierarchical structure or ranking system within an organization or social group, often used metaphorically to describe one's position relative to others (e.g., 'low on the totem pole').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use the term. The literal meaning is equally understood. The metaphorical use ('low on the totem pole') originated in and is more frequent in American English.
Connotations
In both varieties, the literal term carries strong cultural and anthropological connotations. The metaphorical use can carry a slight negative connotation of trivializing Indigenous culture.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English, especially the metaphorical phrase.
Grammar
How to Use “totem pole” in a Sentence
[verb] + totem pole: carve/erect/study/preserve a totem pole[adjective] + totem pole: cultural/sacred/historical totem pole[preposition] + totem pole: figures on a totem pole, symbols of a totem poleVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “totem pole” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The weathered totem pole told a story of the clan's journey.
- The museum's acquisition of the Haida totem pole was front-page news.
American English
- A new totem pole was raised in the park to honor the tribe's ancestors.
- In office politics, knowing where you stand on the totem pole is crucial.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'He's new, so he's still low on the corporate totem pole.' Used to describe informal hierarchy.
Academic
Literal: 'The totem pole served as a physical manifestation of the clan's oral history and rights.' Used in anthropology, history, art history.
Everyday
Literal: 'We saw a magnificent totem pole at the museum.' Metaphorical: 'Don't worry about him; he's near the bottom of the totem pole.'
Technical
Literal: 'Conservators used dendrochronology to date the cedar totem pole.' Used in conservation, ethnology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “totem pole”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “totem pole”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “totem pole”
- Using 'totem pole' to refer to any carved wooden figure from any culture (incorrect).
- Using the metaphorical idiom in formal or cross-cultural contexts where it may cause offense.
- Misspelling as 'toten pole' or 'totam pole'.
- Treating it as a singular 'totem' instead of the compound 'totem pole'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be. While common in American business slang, the phrase trivializes a sacred cultural object of specific Indigenous nations. Many recommend avoiding it in favor of terms like 'entry-level' or 'junior.'
No. This is a common misconception. Totem poles are not worshipped. They are more akin to a family crest, a historical record, or a memorial. They represent stories, people, events, or rights belonging to a clan or family.
Primarily Indigenous nations of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America, including the Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, Kwakwaka'wakw, Nuxalk, and Coast Salish peoples. It is not a pan-Indigenous practice.
Traditionally, they are carved from large, straight red cedar trees, prized for their straight grain, durability, and workability. The carvings were then painted with natural pigments.
A tall wooden pole carved with symbols or figures representing family lineage, clan ancestry, or spiritual beliefs, created by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest coast of North America.
Totem pole is usually neutral, but careful use required due to cultural context; the metaphorical usage is common in informal/business contexts. in register.
Totem pole: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtəʊ.təm ˌpəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtoʊ.t̬əm ˌpoʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “low on the totem pole”
- “high on the totem pole”
- “climb the totem pole”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'TOTE' (to carry) + 'M' (memory). A totem pole carries the memory and stories of a family or clan.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL HIERARCHY IS A TOTEM POLE (with higher positions being more important/powerful).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate description of a totem pole's primary traditional function?