Definition

Noun: 1. A carved and painted wooden pole erected by certain Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America: It is a monumental structure, traditionally carved from large trees, featuring symbolic figures, animals, or crests that represent family lineage, clan history, legends, or notable events. 2. A symbolic representation of status or hierarchy (figurative, modern usage): Used metaphorically to describe a ranking system within an organization or group, often in the phrase "low man on the totem pole."

Examples of Usage

• Literal Meaning:
  • The museum has a magnificent totem pole from the Tlingit nation.
  • Carving a totem pole is a skilled art form that can take many months.
• Figurative Meaning:
  • As a new intern, I'm at the bottom of the totem pole.
  • He quickly climbed the corporate totem pole to become a vice president.

Advanced Usage

• The figurative usage relating to hierarchy is common in modern English but is considered by some to be a cultural misappropriation, as the traditional purpose of a totem pole is not to represent a hierarchy of importance from bottom to top.

Variants and Related Words

• Totem (noun): A natural object or animal believed by a particular society to have spiritual significance and adopted by it as an emblem. (e.g., The bear is the clan's totem.)
• Totemic (adjective): Relating to or serving as a totem or emblem. (e.g., The totemic symbols told the family's story.)

Synonyms

• Literal: Monumental column, carved pole, heraldic pole.
• Figurative: Hierarchy, pecking order, ladder, chain of command.

Related Idioms

• Low man on the totem pole: The person with the least status, experience, or authority in a group.
  • Don't ask me; I'm just the low man on the totem pole here.
• To climb/move up the totem pole: To gain a higher status or rank within an organization.
  • She's been climbing the totem pole steadily for the last five years.

Noun

1. a tribal emblem consisting of a pillar carved and painted with totemic figures; erected by Indian tribes of the northwest Pacific coast