Elbows Up: Unpacking Canada's Defiant Hockey Cry

Mrs. Ardith McClure I 24 Jun 2025

In recent years, you might have spotted signs, heard chants, or seen social media posts featuring a seemingly simple yet profoundly impactful phrase: "Elbows Up." This isn't just a random expression; it's a powerful Canadian rallying cry, deeply rooted in the nation's most beloved sport, ice hockey, and recently re-ignited by political tensions and cultural pride. Understanding what does "elbows up" mean requires a journey through sports legend, national identity, and a dash of comedic defiance.

From the ice rink to the political arena, "Elbows Up" has evolved from a defensive hockey maneuver into a potent symbol of resilience and readiness to protect one's interests. It encapsulates a spirit of quiet determination, a polite yet firm warning that while Canadians may not strike first, they are certainly prepared to stand their ground when challenged. Let's delve into the rich history and modern significance of this unique Canadian expression.

The Genesis on Ice: Gordie Howe and the Hockey Roots
Gordie Howe: The Legend Behind the Phrase
- His Style of Play: Toughness and Tenacity
- "Mr. Hockey" and His Enduring Legacy
From Rink to Rhetoric: The Phrase's Cultural Evolution
The Trump Era and a New Significance
- Tariff Wars and National Identity
Mike Myers: The SNL Moment That Ignited a Movement
- Mike Myers: A Brief Biography
Beyond the Rink: What "Elbows Up" Truly Means Today
A Call for Resilience: Canadian Identity and "Elbows Up"
Is "Elbows Up" Exclusively Canadian?

The Genesis on Ice: Gordie Howe and the Hockey Roots

To truly grasp what does "elbows up" mean, we must first journey to the frozen battlegrounds of ice hockey, where the phrase found its initial, literal meaning. "Elbows up" is a hockey term describing an effective way to protect yourself from an opposing player. In the fast-paced, physical world of professional hockey, players often use their elbows – legally or illegally – to create space, deliver checks, or shield the puck. It’s a defensive posture, a readiness to absorb impact or to deliver one, ensuring personal safety and maintaining possession.

However, the phrase isn't just a generic hockey instruction; it's inextricably linked to one of the sport's most legendary figures: Gordie Howe. The phrase originates from hockey legend Gordie Howe, known for his toughness and use of elbows. Howe, affectionately known as "Mr. Hockey," embodied a style of play that was as much about skill and scoring as it was about grit and physical dominance. His use of elbows, whether to clear space in front of the net, protect himself along the boards, or even as a deterrent, became synonymous with his formidable presence on the ice. This connection to Howe is paramount to understanding the phrase's enduring power and how it transcended the sport.

Gordie Howe: The Legend Behind the Phrase

Gordie Howe's name is etched into the annals of hockey history, not just for his incredible scoring prowess, but for his unparalleled longevity and a playing style that combined grace with a hard-nosed edge. Born in Floral, Saskatchewan, Canada, despite being a Canadian born in Saskatchewan, he was a longtime Detroit Red Wings player, becoming an icon for both Canadian and American hockey fans. His career spanned an incredible five decades, a testament to his durability and passion for the game.

His Style of Play: Toughness and Tenacity

Howe was a complete player, excelling in all facets of the game. He could score with dazzling skill, set up teammates with precision passes, and play stout defense. But what truly set him apart was his physical toughness and willingness to engage in the rough-and-tumble aspects of hockey. He used his elbows effectively, not always to injure, but to protect himself or create space. It also evokes the memory of Gordie Howe, a legendary hockey player who used his elbows to score and fight on the ice. This wasn't just about fighting; it was about asserting dominance, maintaining control of the puck, and making opponents think twice before challenging him. His "elbows up" approach was a hallmark of his resilience and his refusal to be intimidated. The phrase [elbows up] has just grown out of that legend, I think. Howe hams it up with a young Wayne Gretzky in 1972, further cementing his status as a foundational figure in Canadian hockey lore.

"Mr. Hockey" and His Enduring Legacy

Gordie Howe's legacy extends far beyond his statistics. He was a symbol of Canadian grit, determination, and quiet strength. His "elbows up" style wasn't seen as dirty play by his fans, but rather as a necessary part of the game, a way to survive and thrive in a brutal sport. This perception allowed the phrase to transcend its literal meaning and become associated with a broader sense of self-preservation and defiance. The phrase was coined by Canadian hockey legend, and its association with Howe has given it a unique cultural weight that resonates deeply with Canadians.

From Rink to Rhetoric: The Phrase's Cultural Evolution

While "elbows up" began as a hockey term, its meaning began to expand beyond the ice. It became a slang term — popular in the game of (ice) hockey — which basically means to get ready to fight or protect oneself. This metaphorical leap is common in language, where specific actions become symbols for broader concepts. In the Canadian context, given the pervasive influence of hockey, it was almost inevitable that such a vivid, action-oriented phrase would find its way into everyday lexicon.

For years, it likely existed as a subtle idiom, perhaps used by parents telling their kids to be tough, or by friends encouraging each other to stand firm. Is that one of those funny expressions that’s been around forever but no one remembers hearing it before? It has a timeless quality, suggesting a quiet resilience inherent in the Canadian psyche. It's the polite way of saying, we’re ready to throw down. This understated yet firm resolve is a hallmark of Canadian cultural expression. And yes, my dad said it to me every time i went on the ice, highlighting its long-standing, informal use within Canadian families and communities.

The Trump Era and a New Significance

The phrase "elbows up" truly gained widespread national prominence and a new, potent political significance during the period of heightened trade tensions between Canada and the United States, particularly during the administration of President Donald Trump. 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 intense that it sparked a national conversation about Canadian sovereignty and economic independence.

This economic friction provided the perfect backdrop for "elbows up" to emerge as a rallying cry. Canadians are using the phrase elbows up to encourage each other to stand up to the United States. It became a defiant cry that Canadians use to face U.S. aggression. Canada has long held a reputation for settling its differences on the ice, and as the country settles in for a trade war with the United States that may be here to stay, some Canadians are turning to this familiar idiom. The phrase was repurposed as a meme/slogan online within the context of fighting back against threats to Canada's sovereignty and against the tariffs. This marked a significant shift, transforming a sports term into a symbol of national resolve.

Tariff Wars and National Identity

The trade dispute, particularly concerning steel and aluminum tariffs, was perceived by many Canadians as an unfair attack on their economy and national pride. In response, "elbows up" became a shorthand for saying: "We are not going to be pushed around." It's a Canadian expression that means being ready to fight back against someone who tries to annex or impose tariffs on Canada. This sentiment resonated deeply, as it tapped into a collective desire to protect Canadian interests and assert its independent identity on the global stage. What does "elbows up" mean in this context? It signifies a readiness to defend, to negotiate fiercely, and to stand united against perceived threats. It became a rallying cry among Canadians in response to President Donald Trump’s recent threats against the essential ally.

Mike Myers: The SNL Moment That Ignited a Movement

While "elbows up" was already gaining traction online and in public discourse, a pivotal moment propelled it into the national spotlight: Canadian actor Mike Myers' appearance on Saturday Night Live (SNL). As credits rolled on SNL last month, comedian Mike Myers used it to show his pride and defiance as a Canadian on Saturday Night Live. The elbows up movement gained momentum when Canadian actor Mike Myers gestured to his elbow and mouthed the phrase during an appearance on Saturday Night Live. While the phrase “elbows up” had been around for years — and saw an increase in use on platforms like Reddit prior to Myers — the SNL moment was the spark that ignited a national movement. This high-profile endorsement by a beloved Canadian celebrity amplified the message and solidified "elbows up" as a mainstream symbol of Canadian resilience.

Mike Myers: A Brief Biography

Mike Myers is a celebrated Canadian actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer, best known for his iconic roles in films like "Wayne's World," "Austin Powers," and "Shrek." Born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, Myers has consistently woven elements of his Canadian heritage into his work, often with a humorous and affectionate touch. His public display of "elbows up" was not just a random gesture; it was a powerful statement from a prominent Canadian figure, resonating deeply with his compatriots and further cementing the phrase's place in popular culture.

Attribute	Detail
Full Name	Michael John Myers
Date of Birth	May 25, 1963
Place of Birth	Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
Nationality	Canadian, British, American
Occupation	Actor, Comedian, Screenwriter, Producer
Notable Works	Saturday Night Live, Wayne's World, Austin Powers, Shrek

Beyond the Rink: What "Elbows Up" Truly Means Today

So, what does "elbows up" really mean in its contemporary usage? It's more than just a nod to hockey or a reaction to trade disputes. It's a nuanced expression of Canadian character. You may have seen Canadian people brandishing signs reading 'elbows up' of late — but what does it mean? I have seen this phrase a lot lately, mostly in the comments section about taking on Trump. It signifies a quiet, yet firm, readiness to defend one's interests without necessarily initiating aggression. Canadians won't attack first, elbows up seems to say, but anyone who threatens us had better watch out, whether we meet at the hockey rink or in the political arena.

It's a declaration of self-respect and resilience. It suggests a nation that prefers diplomacy and collaboration, but is fully capable of standing strong and protecting its sovereignty when pushed. It's a cultural symbol of Canada's identity, a secret signal that embodies a particular brand of polite defiance. This understanding of "elbows up Canada meaning" and "Mike Myers Canadian signal" goes beyond mere words; it's a gesture of collective spirit.

It’s important to note that while the phrase is metaphorical in its broader use, its literal origin in hockey still informs its meaning. "Elbows up" is a hockey term describing an effective way to protect yourself from an opposing player. This underlying physical action of self-protection gives the metaphor its weight and immediacy. What does "elbows up & out" actually mean in a literal sense, for instance, in a weightlifting context (as per some data provided)? In reality, the elbows up and out position will place the forearms inclined backward with the elbows behind the bar, but approximately in line with the shoulders when viewed from the lifter’s side (see photo below). This demonstrates how the core concept of protection and readiness is universal, even if the Canadian cultural application is unique.

A Call for Resilience: Canadian Identity and "Elbows Up"

The adoption of "elbows up" as a national rallying cry speaks volumes about Canadian identity. It reflects a nation that, while often perceived as polite and unassuming, possesses a deep-seated resolve. It's a phrase that encourages people to be ready to face challenges head-on. This isn't about aggression, but about preparedness and strength in the face of adversity. It's about protecting what's theirs – their economy, their culture, their values.

The phrase has taken on new significance over the past few days as Canadians continue to navigate complex international relations. It serves as a reminder of the country's independent spirit and its willingness to assert its place on the global stage. It's a symbol that unites Canadians across different regions and backgrounds, providing a common language for expressing national pride and defiance. This cultural expression, exemplified by "Canadian gestures explained" and "Canadian identity signals," offers insight into the collective mindset of a nation.

Is "Elbows Up" Exclusively Canadian?

While "elbows up" has a distinctly Canadian flavor, particularly due to its strong ties to hockey and recent political events, the core concept of using elbows for protection or to fight back is universal in sports. However, the specific idiomatic usage and its widespread adoption as a national rallying cry are indeed largely Canadian. I don't think the expression is exclusive to Canada, but it may be more commonly used in Canada, especially now. The cultural context, the reverence for hockey, and the specific historical moments that have propelled it into prominence have solidified its place as a unique Canadian cultural symbol.

Other cultures might have similar expressions of quiet defiance or readiness to stand firm, but few are so directly tied to a national sport and a specific legendary figure. This makes "elbows up" a fascinating case study in how language, sport, and national identity intertwine to create powerful, resonant symbols. What does "elbows up" mean, then? It means Canadian resilience, plain and simple.

Conclusion

From the toughness of Gordie Howe on the ice to Mike Myers' defiant gesture on Saturday Night Live, "Elbows Up" has evolved into a powerful and multifaceted expression of Canadian identity. It's a phrase that embodies self-protection, resilience, and a quiet yet firm readiness to stand up for national interests. It serves as a reminder that while Canada values diplomacy and cooperation, it is also prepared to defend its sovereignty and economic well-being when challenged.

This unique Canadian idiom, deeply rooted in the nation's beloved sport, continues to resonate as a symbol of unity and strength. It's a testament to how cultural expressions can adapt and gain new significance in response to contemporary events. Have you encountered "Elbows Up" in a different context, or do you have a personal story about its meaning? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and if you found this exploration insightful, consider sharing it with others who might be curious about Canada's rich cultural tapestry. For more insights into Canadian cultural expressions, explore other articles on our site!

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