Post #450033 by woofmutt on Mon, Apr 27, 2009 1:55 PM

I used to be rather strict on the definition of Tiki but now my definitions are fairly simple:

tiki = a Polynesian idol

Tiki = Polynesian pop style which includes tikis

These days I consider a Tiki mug a mug which is appropriate for a Polynesian pop culture environ. A tiki mug would be a mug with a representation of a tiki on it.

I think hula girls, coconuts, leis, outriggers, exotic flora print fabrics, et cetera are all Tiki.* But they're definitely not tikis.

As always with the English language it ultimately doesn't matter one bit what purists or defenders-of-the-word have to say on the matter. The masses will decide.

In the face of what we determine to be inappropriate usage we can scream and shout objections or we can attempt to enlighten and broaden views. Personally I'd rather leave the masses to their own paths and try to help enlighten those who seek enlightenment. Possibly by lighting a Tiki torch for them.

*And yet I wouldn't necessarily consider a Hawaiian bar to be Tiki. It would depend on the particular bar. Did your head just explode?