first world problem

first world problem

slang A frivolous issue or problem that is only a source of great concern or frustration because the speaker lives in an economically-developed country; a minor issue compared to the hardships faced by those living in so-called "third world" countries. A: "I can't believe the Wi-Fi is down. What am I supposed to do if I can't watch Netflix?" B: "Hello first world problems!" I just got back from a service trip to Haiti, and things I was worried about before I left just seem like first world problems now.
See also: first, problem, world
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • frustration
  • throw (one's) arms up in frustration
  • throw (one's) hands up in frustration
  • fuss
  • a fuss about nothing
  • a fuss over nothing
  • first world
  • laugh all the way to the bank
  • you can't keep a good man down
  • you can't keep a good man/woman down
References in periodicals archive
This eye-roll at the First World Problems argument always tickles me.
Jay Chou, senior research analyst at IDC, said: "The days where one can assume tablet disruptions are purely a First World problem are over.
Aye, it's an almost laughable first world problem. The battle to part you from the pound in your pocket is now something of a test of the moral compass.
"Given the problem is not one that is unique to any one country or culture, a first world problem requires a first world, international response.
MY pal sent me a text: "When did the cost of a red pepper go up to 80p?" It was a bit of a "First World problem" but I chuckled and understood the outrage.
Call it a First World problem, but with so many big names playing throughout the day, fans were forced to make tough decisions and occasionally miss acts they dearly wanted to see.
I know this is a 'first world problem' and there are far more important things to worry about but if we all start forgetting our manners like this we could be worrying about bigger pickles than queue etiquette.
The only negative side-effect of the new choices I have now has been a feeling of being overwhelmed with supermarkets when I realise I can get anything- but there are worse first world problems to have.
On the list of 'first world problems', locating capers must be pretty near the top.
"I know it's first world problems, but you have a duty of care.
And Sunday evenings in foreign airports were designed for a degustation of first world problems.
First world problems - moaning about a straw Emily Perrin
There are also the first world problems of people posting complaints about delays at airports on their way to ski holidays.
Sergie Liederman in "Urban Nightmares" in 2017, and then in the 2018 movie, "First World Problems." He has the movies "Oh' It's Personal," "Stray" and "Dot Ave" in the works.
The tour is the comedian's first for some years, after his First World Problems tour also clocked up more than 200 sellout dates over an 18 month period from 2013-14.