The phrase has been used a lot of late amid the country’s ongoing tariff war with the US
You may have seen Canadian people brandishing signs reading ‘elbows up’ of late — but what does it mean?
Canada has found itself at the center of a tariff war with the United States in recent weeks, as Donald Trump threatened a 25% tariff hike on Canadian goods entering the US.
Tensions escalated to the point where Trump even threatened a 50% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum, after Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced plans to impose a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to the US. The standoff between the neighboring nations has been nothing short of intense.
Canada Stands Firm Amid Tariff Tensions: “Elbows Up!” Becomes a Rallying Cry
The US-Canada tariff battle rattled the stock market, but tensions eased after Donald Trump and Doug Ford backed down from their most extreme threats. However, Trump’s 25% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum officially took effect today (March 12), keeping economic tensions high.
In a move that left Canadians stunned and unimpressed, Trump floated the wild idea of making Canada America’s 51st state—a suggestion that was immediately rejected by both officials and citizens.
But instead of backing down, Canadians have embraced a new mantra: “Elbows up!” The phrase exploded over the weekend when Shrek star and proud Canadian Mike Myers silently mouthed it on Saturday Night Live, while wearing a bold “Canada is not for sale” T-shirt.
Even Prime Minister Justin Trudeau echoed the sentiment in his farewell speech on Sunday, declaring:
“We’re a country that will be diplomatic when we can, but fight when we must. Elbows up!”
So, what’s the story behind the phrase? It turns out it comes from Canada’s favorite sport—hockey.
According to The Independent, legendary player Gordie Howe was famous for throwing his elbows up on the ice as a defensive move—a fitting metaphor for Canada’s stance against US tariffs.
The slogan has since taken over Reddit, with Canadians using it as a defiant rallying cry in the face of economic pressure from their southern neighbor.
The phrase “elbows up” has now gone international, sparking curiosity beyond Canada’s borders. In an online thread, an Indian resident asked what it meant, prompting a swift response from hockey-savvy users.
“Hockey reference. When you learn to play hockey, you’re taught to keep your ‘elbows up’ as a defense mechanism—signaling you’re ready to protect or fight back,” one user explained.
Another echoed: “It’s a hockey reference about defending yourself from another player.”
And in true Canadian fashion, a third chimed in with humor: “If you encounter a Canadian saying, it’s most likely from hockey, curling, or the weather.”
It seems that Canada’s bold response to US tariffs has not only reignited national pride but also introduced the world to yet another classic piece of Canadiana.
