A carved wooden or stone figure representing a Polynesian deity, or the style of bar and restaurant decor inspired by Polynesian culture.
From Māori and other Polynesian languages where 'tiki' refers to carved human figures representing ancestors or gods. The word entered English through colonial contact and gained popularity in mid-20th century American pop culture.
The tiki bar phenomenon of the 1950s and 60s was largely a romanticized American interpretation of Polynesian culture, creating an exotic escape fantasy that had little connection to authentic island traditions. Despite this cultural appropriation, tiki culture has experienced multiple revivals and remains popular in cocktail and restaurant design.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.