Trump’s tariffs: Why Canadians are saying ‘elbows up’ -- this time with a hint of sarcasm

What began as a symbol of protest against President Donald Trump’s tariffs has now taken on an air of irony, as Canada resumed trade talks with the US and Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his government had “rescinded its plan to tax American technology firms.”

Several Canadians expressed their disappointment over social media with some calling it an "elbows down" move.


Meanwhile, some even mocked the government saying, "Good job liberals! You got duped!! eLbOwS uP actually means Tariffs UP! eLbOwS uP."


"We are starting to get a sense of the character of the government and that it is a kind of chicken dance government. It is elbows up, elbows back down, elbows up, elbows back down," Garnett Genuis, shadow minister for employment in Canada's Conservative Party said.

But what is elbows up?

The phrase “elbows up” comes from Canadian hockey culture, most famously linked to legendary player Gordie Howe, who was known for his gritty, physical style of play. On the ice, having your "elbows up" meant you were ready to protect yourself, push back against opponents, and play tough without backing down. It symbolized resilience, assertiveness, and the willingness to engage physically when challenged, according to USA Today.


In recent times, Canadians were invoking “elbows up” as a rallying cry to stand firm against US tariffs and Trump’s criticisms. The phrase was being used to encourage Canadians to respond with strength and unity, much like a hockey player would defend themselves in a tough game.

Essentially, “elbows up” became a metaphor for Canada’s assertive stance during this period of strained cross-border relations.

What Canadian PM said that drew flak?

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Monday that trade talks with the US have resumed after Canada dropped its plan to impose a Digital Services Tax (DST) on American tech firms.

"...Canada would rescind the Digital Services Tax (DST) in anticipation of a mutually beneficial comprehensive trade arrangement with the United States," a government statement said, according to news agency AP.

The decision followed Trump’s suspension of trade talks last week, when he called Canada’s proposed tax a “direct and blatant attack.”

“We will let Canada know the tariff that they will be paying to do business with the United States of America within the next seven-day period,” Trump had warned in a post on Truth Social.