potlatch

[ pot-lach ]

noun

1. (among Indigenous people of the northern Pacific coast, especially the Kwakiutl) a ceremonial festival at which gifts are bestowed on the guests and property is destroyed by its owner in a show of wealth that the guests later attempt to surpass.
2. Pacific Northwest. a party or celebration.

potlatch

/ ˈpɒtˌlætʃ /

noun

1. anthropol a competitive ceremonial activity among certain North American Indians, esp the Kwakiutl, involving a lavish distribution of gifts and the destruction of property to emphasize the wealth and status of the chief or clan
2. informal.
   a wild party or revel

Word History and Origins

Origin of potlatch¹

First recorded in 1835–45; from Chinook Jargon pátlač, páλač, from Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka) p̉aλp̉a- (reduplication of p̉a- “make ceremonial gifts in potlatch”) + -č suffix marking iterative aspect

Word History and Origins

Origin of potlatch¹

C19: from Chinook, from Nootka patshatl a giving, present

Example Sentences

An activist and artist, he was a devotee of the wealth-redistributing feast known as the potlatch, which he called “the best form of resistance we have” against Western capitalism.

From New York Times

The skillful netting of ducks scared up from Lake Union provided ample protein for potlatches and other tribal festivities.

From Seattle Times

“We bring it out at every potlatch,” George said.

From New York Times

Cultural gatherings like the canoe journey shared among tribes at Puget Sound and potlatches — ceremonial feasts that involve gift giving — are part of the equation, he said.

From Seattle Times

“They remember potlatch funerals with only 20-30 people — a generation was wiped out by the pandemic of 1918. That has been an ongoing reflection for me this entire year.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• barbecue
• dinner
• festival
• festivity
• fiesta
• gala
• picnic
• repast