first-world problem

plural first-world problems

1. alternativeAlternative form of first world problem.

   A shortage of first-class seats is the definition of a first-world problem.

   2023 May 15, Chris Bryant, “Good luck finding first-class plane tickets”, in Sun Journal, page A5, column 1

   2 more examples

   There are a few common categories of first-world problems: I lost/broke/dislike something about my remote/iPod/GPS system. “Ugh, my last Apple went bad and now I want one.” Or social network X/the Internet/cable is down.

   2011 July 27, Cat Rocketship, “How a hashtag changed my philosophy on life”, in Juice (The Des Moines Register), volume 7, number 30, page 6

   It’s easy to put everybody else’s pain into perspective. Broken heart? At least it’s not a broken leg. […] As my assistant Krissy says, “Who wants to hear, ‘Sure but –’ when you’re feeling bad?” That’s why I break out in hives when I hear, “Oh, it’s only first-world problems.” (And don’t tell me that my allergic reaction is a first-world problem, either. Irritation is global, intergenerational and probably intergalactic.)

   2016 April 15, Gina Barreca, “Don’t Dismiss It As A ‘First-World Problem’”, in Hartford Courant, volume CLXXX, number 106, page A11