First world


The industrialised affluent and wealthy nations.

The rise of China and India means we may have to redefine the First World before long.

USA, mid 20th century.

Worldwide.


A relatively trivial problem only affecting the affluent.

Jack’s complaining again that his 48 inch screen is giving him eyestrain. That’s a First World problem if there ever was.

USA, late 20th century.

Worldwide.

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.