4 common phrases that are actually really offensive (& why)

Many of the phrases we innocently toss around every day are actually really offensive to Native Americans.

Here are a few, where they came from, why they’re problematic, and what to say instead:

💜 “Bottom of the Totem Pole”

Origin: Totem poles are sacred monuments in Native American culture that document their family’s lineage. It’s a common misconception (by white people) that they’re in hierarchical order.

Offensive Because: When we use “bottom of the totem pole” to suggest something is meaningless or unimportant, we’re repeating and perpetuating false colonial beliefs about Indigenous cultures.

Instead, Say: Least significant, not important

💜 “Let’s have a powwow”

Origin: Powwows are Native American celebrations filled with food, music, family, and dance. In the early 1900s, the US government banned powwows and traditional dancing on reserves.

Offensive Because: There’s nothing quick or casual about a powwow. These events are carefully planned and incredibly important.

Instead, Say: Let’s meet, let’s huddle

💜 “Holding down the fort”

Origin: The phrase was originally quite literal–meant to watch and protect from intruders.

Offensive Because: It’s something Army soldiers would say to each other as they were trying to keep their “forts” free of their perceived “enemy,” Native American tribes, who they saw as “savage.”

Instead, Say: Watch this, stay here

💜 “Spirit animal”

Origin: Native Americans have strong spiritual relationships with many more-than-human things: plants, the sun, and animals.

Offensive Because: Even though the term isn’t widely used in Indigenous cultures, it takes the concept of their sacred connection with nature and twists it into a catchphrase. Many Native Americans feel like it makes light of their culture.

Instead, Say: Muse, guide

MORE: ‘A Rez Girl at Heart’: What it’s like to grow up on a Wisconsin reservation