First World problem
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.[1] The term was added to the Oxford Dictionary Online in November 2012,[2] and to the Macquarie Dictionary Online in December 2012.[3]
The term "First World problem" first appeared in 1979 in G. K. Payne's work Built Environment,[4] but gained recognition as an internet meme beginning in 2005, particularly on social networking sites like Twitter (where it became a popular hashtag).[5][6] The term is used to minimize complaints about trivial issues by shaming the complainer,[7] or as good-humored self-deprecation.[4] UNICEF NZ conducted a survey of First World problems in New Zealand, finding slow web access to be the most common.[8]
Examples
It can be an example of the red herring fallacy of relative privation. Some examples include:
- Slow Internet access.[8]
- Not being able to find items in a shop[8]
- Bad-tasting fruit[8]
- Getting a bad haircut[8]
- Television remote not working[8]
- Poor mobile-phone coverage[8]
- Phone battery dying (low-battery anxiety)[9]
See also
References
- ↑ Hardy, Quentin (18 May 2012). "Eduardo Saverin's Billionaire Blues". The New York Times. Retrieved 25 January 2013.
- ↑ "First World problem definition". Oxford Dictionaries Online. Oxford University Press. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
- ↑ "Word of the Year 2014". Macquarie Dictionary Online. Macquarie Dictionary.
- 1 2 "First World (Special uses)". Oxford English Dictionary Online. Oxford University Press. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
- ↑ López, Tracy (11 July 2012). "How acknowledging your "First World problems" can make you happier". Voxxi. Retrieved 25 January 2013.
- ↑ Steinmetz, Katy (20 November 2012). "Oxford Dictionaries adds 'deets', '4G' and 'First World problems'". Time. Retrieved 25 January 2013.
- ↑ Glover, Richard (24 November 2012). "As the First World turns". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 25 January 2013.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Harper, Paul (8 October 2012). "Kiwis complain about 'First World problems'". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 25 January 2013.
- ↑ Sum, Eliza (28 July 2016). "“Battery anxiety” making smartphone users miss meetings, dates and jeopardise relationships". Geelong Advertiser. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
External links
Look up first world problem in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. |
- The dictionary definition of first world problem at Wiktionary
- First World Problems Anthem