low man on the totem pole

The phrase "low man on the totem pole" is an idiom used to describe a person with the lowest rank, seniority, or authority within a hierarchy. It references the monumental carvings of the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast, specifically the vertical arrangement of figures. The expression gained popularity in American English during the mid-20th century, often attributed to the humorist H. Allen Smith, and is commonly used in business and social contexts to denote a lack of status.

Usage of the term is contested because it reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the cultural artifacts it references. In many Pacific Northwest traditions, the figure at the base of the pole is often the most significant—bearing the weight of the structure—or is the position carved by the master artist. Therefore, the idiom conveys the opposite of the actual cultural hierarchy. Furthermore, critics argue that using sacred or significant Indigenous imagery to describe mundane corporate rankings is a form of cultural appropriation that trivializes the art form. Conversely, those who continue to use the phrase often view it as a "fossilized" idiom, arguing that its metaphorical meaning is now distinct from its literal origin and that no offense is intended.

Example:
"Because he was the newest hire, he was the low man on the totem pole and had to work the holiday shift."

Example:
"She worked hard to stop being the low man on the totem pole and eventually became a manager."