• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Reason why Canadians are using ‘elbows up’ in response to Donald Trump’s threats

Home> News> World News> Canada

Updated 14:41 12 Mar 2025 GMTPublished 11:34 12 Mar 2025 GMT

Reason why Canadians are using ‘elbows up’ in response to Donald Trump’s threats

The phrase has been used a lot of late amid the country's ongoing tariff war with the US

Niamh Shackleton

Niamh Shackleton

You may have seen Canadian people brandishing signs reading 'elbows up' of late — but what does it mean?

Canada has been embroiled with a tariff war with America in recent weeks, with Donald Trump threatening 25 percent tariff hikes on Canadian goods brought into the US.

In fact, things got so heated between the neighboring countries that at one point Trump said he was implementing 50 percent tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum in response to Ontario Premier Doug Ford saying he was bringing in a 25 percent surcharge on electricity exports to the US.

Advert

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has threatened tariffs on energy exports (Katherine KY Cheng/Getty Images)
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has threatened tariffs on energy exports (Katherine KY Cheng/Getty Images)

The threats caused chaos in the US stock market, but both Trump and Ford have since backed down. Trump's initial 25 percent tariff hike on Canadian steel and aluminum did come into force today (March 12), however.

As a way of avoiding the unpopular hikes, Trump has suggested that Canada become America's 51st state — an idea that's gone down like a lead balloon with both Canadian officials and residents.

With all of the above in mind, Canadians have proven that it's not a country to be messed with and have been stating 'elbows up' to one another.

Advert

This phrase garnered even more attention over the weekend after Shrek star and Canadian actor Mike Myers mouthed it to Saturday Night Live viewers while wearing a t-shirt stating that 'Canada is not for sale'.

See the moment here:

Elsewhere, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau used the phrase during his farewell speech on Sunday.

Advert

He said: "We’re a country that will be diplomatic when we can, but fight when we must. Elbows up!"

But where does such a saying come from? Apparently it's sport-related.

As per The Independant, Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe threw his elbows up during games in a bid to defend himself — and Canada is currently trying to defend itself against America.

Backing this up, Redditors took to the social media platform in recent days to discuss the matter.

Advert


In a thread, an Indian resident asked what 'elbows up' means, to which someone replied: "Hockey reference. When you learn to play hockey you’re taught to keep your 'elbows up' as a defence mechanism- signalling you’re ready to protect or to fight back."

"It's a hockey reference about defending yourself from another player," echoed another.

Advert

A third went on to quip: "If you encounter a Canadian saying, it’s most likely from hockey, curling or weather."

Featured Image Credit: Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Topics: Canada, Saturday Night Live, News, World News

Niamh Shackleton
Niamh Shackleton

Niamh Shackleton is an experienced journalist for UNILAD, specialising in topics including mental health and showbiz, as well as anything Henry Cavill and cat related. She has previously worked for OK! Magazine, Caters and Kennedy.

X

@niamhshackleton

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

an hour ago
2 hours ago
3 hours ago
  • an hour ago

    Teen dies aged 14 just days after contracting infection as doctor issue urgent warning

    William Hand tragically died on June 8 at the age of 14

    News
  • an hour ago

    Celebrity chef Anne Burrell dies suddenly aged 55 as police release heartbreaking details

    Anne Burrell's family confirmed her death on June 17

    Celebrity
  • 2 hours ago

    88 children removed from Bible study camp as part of shocking human trafficking investigation

    The Christian camp has insisted parents are still happy to send their children

    News
  • 3 hours ago

    Popular smartphone banned on all planes is still in circulation amid concerns of it overheating and exploding

    Some people on TikTok admitted they were still using the phone, despite it being recalled

    News
  • Young couple reveal how they launched a multi-million dollar business with only $2,000
  • Timothée Chalamet praised for his blunt response after being asked awkward question on Oscars red carpet
  • Donald Trump warns he will 'shut down' one major business in Canada if they don't make extreme change to tariffs
  • Bill Hader reveals why he isn't taking part in SNL's 50th anniversary show