The term first world problems (often abbreviated to "FWP") refers to issues perceived as difficult to those residing in the more developed nations (i.e., the First World), but which are banal when compared to the difficulties encountered by those in the less developed Third World. First World Problems is often used in a derisive manner towards those who complain about the problems they experience in the "First World" on a regular basis. However, it is also used by scholars and economists in studying the relationship between the Third World and the First World. The exact provenance of this term is uncertain, although some believe that it originated with the 1995 song "Omissions of the Omen" on the album Last of the Ghetto Astronauts by Canadian singer/song-writer Matthew Good. Over time, however, it has taken on a wider significance, being used in humour.
|