What is the meaning of the phrase ‘the struggle is real’?
Something is a frustrating struggle or challenge to deal with.
What is the origin of the phrase ‘the struggle is real’?
Despite the usual sarcastic tone that the phrase ‘the struggle is real’ is often said with, the origin of the phrase is somewhat bleak. The phrase is rooted in the African American experience and the social and economic hardships faced by black Americans, particularly in urban settings. The phrase gained prominence within hip-hop culture, where it was used to express the real-life challenges and oppression faced by marginalised communities. The phrase is tied to the broader expression of economic struggle, systemic racism, and inequality that many black Americans faced, especially in urban environments.
The phrase gained some traction in the 1990s, but it became more widely used in the 2000s, thanks to its frequent appearance in hip-hop lyrics, street culture, and eventually internet memes and social media. The phrase was used as a hashtag (#TheStruggleIsReal) on platforms such asTwitter, Instagram, and TikTok to describe both trivial inconveniences and more significant challenges.
While the phrase initially carried significant weight, reflecting real-life hardships (such as poverty, systemic racism, and societal pressures), it became diluted in its meaning over time as it transitioned into more casual and sarcastic use, synonymous with memes and trivial complaints, often referred to as ‘first-world problems’. For example, problems such as being stuck in traffic, or having a bad Wi-Fi signal.
What are some notable uses of the phrase ‘the struggle is real’?
By 2011, the phrase was established enough on its own that the rap group DTMD released a song called ‘The Struggle is Real, which boosted the use of the phrase further still.
