Meaning of tiki culture | Babel Free

Definitions

A form of American popular culture inspired by Hawaiian, Polynesian, Melanesian and Micronesian cultures, and characterized by "exotic" ornamentation and alcoholic drinks.

uncountable, usually

Examples

“This year’s Hukilau was staged partially at the Mai-Kai Restaurant, which is the Angkor Wat of tiki culture. […] The restaurant opened in 1956 and has remained essentially unchanged ever since, an oasis of shrunken heads, tiki totems, and tiny waterfalls.”

“In reality, it is tiki culture that describes a phenomenon that seems to be stronger and more prolific today than it has ever been. A surprising number of tiki websites and thousands of other tiki-oriented pages are scattered over the internet.”

“Starting in the 1940s, thanks to returning World War II veterans, the country began a decades-long obsession with the aquamarine hues and tropical vibes of Polynesia, or at least a vague idea what Polynesia might be. It manifested as what we know as tiki culture.”

CEFR level