to think that 'first world problem' is a pretty shit thing to say?

[Mallorie]

For so many reasons...

• do you really think people in 'third world countries' are so busy being poor that they don't care about what their hair looks like in the rain, or what kind of drink to serve when their friends come over, or which school to send their kids to, or what car to buy? This shouldn't be news to anyone, but people in Brazil and Nigeria and bloody Finland (yes, Finland is considered a third world country in the original definition, check out the wikipedia age) care about their hair and schools and cars and it just sounds classist/racist/ignorant to use a tired joke over and over that doesn't recognise this.

• are you blind to the massive levels of inequality and poverty in your own 'first world' country?

• the original divisions of the 'worlds' are based on this: 1st: UK/US and their important allies. 2nd: China/(then) USSR and their allies 3rd: Everyone else, which conveniently were mainly British and European colonies at some point. So, for us here in the UK to express our superiority to these countries every time we complain about non-life threatening problems just seems nasty.

Always took it to mean the op was using the phrase to acknowledge that in the scheme of things
the problem was very minor and that this was a 'nod' to all those in the world who had a far more difficult life for whatever reason.

I have taken it to mean that in the grand scheme of things, the problem isn’t a problem but still a PITA. It’s a lighthearted way of complaining of problems.

I agree with Roystonv
OP you have really over thought this.

I don't think it is meant literally, it is just a term of phrase that as previous posters have suggested means 'In the scheme of things.'
I think that you are maybe over thinking it a little.

Over-thinking to the max. Move on...

YANBU. It's usually used to be nasty and dismissive of a problem causing someone real distress by suggesting that others have it worse therefore you shouldn't be upset by whatever is going on for you.

It's a dangerous approach, to downplay someone's struggles and reach for help just because it's not a life or death issue they're trying to cope with.

Fine when used by the person with the problem as it's usually a light hearted way of saying they recognise it's not the end of the world. But it's nasty when others say it. With an eye roll often included.

People can only experience the situation they are in. If someone has plenty of money and friends and a good job and healthy kids but their husband is cheating on them, people might say that's a first world problem because all of their practical needs are taken care of and they're not at risk of starving to death. But to that person it may be the most distressing thing they've ever had to deal with.

Is the best way to promote good mental health and seeking help when needed really to tell people their problem isn't that bad because other people elsewhere don't have enough to eat? That just adds a layer of guilt onto how they're already feeling!

Yup, also agree with Roystonv to a tee.

I don't use the phrase myself. I prefer "the struggle is real"

Definitely overthinking. Its the complete reverse of what you are suggesting and is generally used by those complaining to acknowledge that they know they are actually very lucky in the scheme of things that this is all they have to moan about.

I guess it depends on the context:

Person A: How are you?
Person B: OK but Waitrose had no more avocado and I really needed one...first world problem I know

Fine IMO

Person A: How are you?
Person B: Ok but I'm worried that work isnt taking me seriously now in part time.
Person B: Thats such a first world problem at least you have a job

Not Ok IMO

Plus there are rich/MC people in developing countries too....some of DHs family in the Filipines have a much better quality of life than we do (servants, private school etc)

You may be overthinking this.
Seems to me "first world problem" is used to tell the someone they're getting het up over something trivial. Its a way of saying there are more important things to worry about.
Not always a very kind response, but people have heard it before on mumsnet and perhaps think it makes them sound clever.
I very much doubt it's a carefully considered political view or they're casting aspersions on people living in other countries.

I think I get what you mean OP. You're not talking about the person with a problem using it are you, but people who jump in to huff and say 'first world problem eh!' to make them feel bad and not offer any actual advice?

I think it's a useful topic to bring to light personally as people often don't realise how much that sense of guilt and shame at feeling like you should be grateful for what you have instead of upset about a problem can affect you. Then if you do ask for help or open up and you get that response you won't do it again in a hurry.

I remember being 13 at school, having an awful time (parents divorcing but living together, brother in jail, bullying, chronic pain, which I dealt with by drinking and smoking weed daily and self harming excessively), I used to have to go to this little room each morning to check in how I was and be given antibacterial lotion for my wounds. And I told a teacher I felt so awful for being so down and upset and not coping when other people didn't have any food. And she said something along the lines of 'it's bad for those people yes, but they're completely unrelated to this situation. You being happy or miserable doesn't affect what they're going through. You won't feel happier if everyone suddenly was fine, because you'd still be having to deal with this. You have every right to feel terrible no matter what else others are going through' and it really stuck with me. Really had an impact. I can't even remember her name but she completely changed my perspective and it gave me a bit of respite from the guilt.

I use it when I’m talking about a ridiculous issue (no quinoa left in the cupboard!!)

It’s to acknowledge that I’m aware that my gripe is, in the grand scheme of things, nonsense

I suppose you are right - it’s quite insulting - but everyone finds something insulting!

Totally depends on the context, like everything! So I'd say "first world problem" about something that I was complaining about, something that probably sounds entitled and spoiled to someone else.

I wouldn't say it in response to someone else's problem because it's not up to me to judge how significant their problem might be.

It's a way of acknowledging that a problem really isn't significant to the rest of the world. As the others have said, you're overthinking it.

Professionally offended comes to mind...

I agree you're overthinking this. I take the experession to mean that it's worth putting the problem into perspective. Not to dismiss it all together, but to acknowledge, while complaining about something trivial, that it doesn't really matter that much. There are lots of problems that people have in the first world that I'd never describe as a first world problem.

Not long ago I was complaining to my sister that my apple watch hadn't changed overnight, so I had to wear my DKNY watch.

Now THATS a first world problem

Not really - it's a recognition of the fact that you are privileged and other people have actually terrible things happening. Better than blindly harping on about Waitrose not having the hummus you wanted in at least.

It's been borne I think from all the OTHER whingeing people do when someone is, say, upset they lost their handbag and someone huffily says something along the lines of 'some people have real problems you know!' it's also pre-empting that I think...

In my experience it's usually used by people to moan about something very minor while acknowledging their privilege and the fact that their life is pretty nice really. E.g. 'I wanted to make marmalade this weekend but there weren't any Seville oranges in Waitrose #first world problem'.

I'm sure that people in the developing world get annoyed about a particular foodstuff not being available when they want it too (or whatever). Is there anyone from a developing country on this thread who can let us know whether they find the phrase offensive?

The irony

Your problem perfectly encapsulates what a first world problem is

I like 1stWP when used for self-deprecation.

Bit like PC, though. That started out as a self-deprecatory remark, too. When it turned into an insult, that's when PC (or 1st world problem) turned bad.

"third" world became a stigmatic label, but that's not the same as meaning 1st world always leverages stigma.

If OP is 'over-thinking' the flippant use of 'first world problem' and its connotations to so-called third world and its inhabitants, then it's time to call out the zillions of mindless threads agonizing over nothing.
CBA to list examples, anyone with modicum of intelligence will be able to play bingo on this very page.
[yawn]

I hate the phrase

I think it's usually used in jest.

For example my friend said it to me once when I was complaining that my rotary washing line kept bashing into my quince tree.

And I sometimes say it to myself when I am getting wound up about something silly. Such as not knowing where to put a recent £100,000 windfall...

It's to stop keyboard warriors saying "oh I WISH I had your problems OP!"

It has arisen directly out of the sanctimoniousness of twats