First World problem

For the "Weird Al" Yankovic song, "First World Problems", see Mandatory Fun. For the MC Frontalot song, see Zero Day (album).

First World problem is a slang term used to refer to issues in First World nations that are complained about only because of the absence of more pressing concerns. The term was added to the Oxford Dictionary Online in November 2012, and to the Macquarie Dictionary Online in December 2012.

The term "First World problem" first appeared in 1979 in G.K. Payne's work Built Environment, but gained recognition as an internet meme beginning in 2005, particularly on social networking sites like Twitter (where it became a popular hashtag). The term is used to minimize complaints about trivial issues by shaming the complainer, or as good-humored self-deprecation. UNICEF NZ conducted a survey of First World problems in New Zealand, finding slow web access to be the most common.

Examples

• Slow Internet access
• Not being able to find items in a store.
• Bad tasting fruit.
• Getting a bad haircut.
• Television remote not working.
• Poor mobile phone coverage

See also

• First World privilege
• Maslow's hierarchy of needs

External links

• The dictionary definition of first world problem at Wiktionary
• First World Problems Anthem