Quote
1. Quote - Listen to the quote and guess what the slang means.
My jet lag is getting a bit ridiculous. But, you know, it’s first-world problems. It’s a wonderful problem, “Oh I have to travel around the world; how awful.”
—Actress Margot Robbie, speaking about having to travel for film roles. (instyle.co.uk)
Definition
1. Definition - Study the definition.
small problem or annoyance that is not that big compared to what other people in the world may be experiencing
2. Use - Learn how the slang is used.
Do you hate it when someone spells your name incorrectly on a coffee cup? Do you feel like crying when you get the wrong dish at a restaurant? Do you fly into a rage when your phone can’t connect to a wireless network? Little frustrations like this can ruin your day, it’s true! But when you look at them from a different perspective, they seem like first-world problems.
A first-world problem is a small, irritating problem that people in wealthy or developed countries may encounter. First-world problems usually don’t ruin your life or take away any of your basic needs. In fact, people who are poor or hungry would probably much rather deal with a first-world problem. You are probably living a pretty good life if the only thing you have to worry about is not always being able to find free Wi-Fi! Actress Margot Robbie jokes that her jet lag is a first-world problem. After all, traveling the world to film movies is a problem a lot of us would love to have!
Do you experience a lot of first-world problems?
Examples
1. Examples - Hear some example sentences.
“I know it’s such a first-world problem, but I hate it when I can’t find a parking spot.”
“My phone screen is cracked, so it’s hard to see the apps! I know, first-world problems.”
“My brother always complains that the rent is too high, but I think it’s a first-world problem. I mean, he has a beautiful studio apartment in New York!”