“The Struggle Is Real” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 15, 2024 by Liam Daniel

“The struggle is real” is an idiom that is used frequently in conversation or writing. You may even hear it on the radio in songs. Here you will find everything you have ever been curious about concerning this phrase, including its meaning and origin. You will also see some examples of how to use this phrase correctly in sentences and conversations. The conclusion will offer you some alternative suggestions to use in place of this phrase to convey the same meaning.

The Struggle Is Real Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “The struggle is real” is a humorous or sarcastic phrase acknowledging that a situation, often a minor or everyday challenge, is genuinely difficult or frustrating.
The Struggle Is Real Meaning
The Struggle Is Real Meaning – Created by 7ESL

The Struggle Is Real Meaning

The phrase “the struggle is real” is a humorous or sarcastic way of acknowledging that a situation, often a minor inconvenience or everyday challenge, is difficult or frustrating. It can also be used seriously to highlight genuine struggles. The phrase has become popular in internet culture and memes to express that someone is going through something tough, even if it may seem trivial to others.

Origin of this Idiom

The phrase “the struggle is real” is a relatively new phrase that has been in use since the 1990s. It is typically a phrase that is used by millennials. However, it was not until 2002 that the phrase became widely popular after the release of a song title Fame by the rap artist 2Pac. Although mostly used in irony today, this song uses the phrase to describe the real and complex issue of the struggle African-Americans continue to go through in America.

Usage of “The Struggle Is Real”

  1. Everyday challenges:
    • “Waking up early for work is tough—the struggle is real.”
  2. School or studying:
    • “I have three exams this week, and I’m running on coffee—the struggle is real.”
  3. Dieting or fitness:
    • “Resisting the temptation of chocolate cake is hard—the struggle is real.”
  4. Financial difficulties:
    • “With rent due and my paycheck not covering it, the struggle is real.”
  5. Technology issues:
    • “My computer crashed right before I saved my work—the struggle is real.”
  6. Relationships:
    • “Trying to plan a date with conflicting schedules? The struggle is real.”

In each of these examples, the phrase is used to highlight the difficulty of a situation, often with a lighthearted or relatable tone.

Related Terms to “The Struggle Is Real”

  • First world problems – Refers to trivial issues faced by people in wealthy nations, often used humorously to highlight minor inconveniences.
  • Life is hard – A straightforward acknowledgment of the difficulties of life.
  • It’s a tough life – A phrase that emphasizes the challenges one faces in life, often sarcastically.
  • I feel you – An expression of empathy or understanding of someone else’s struggles.
  • Everyday battles – Refers to the common challenges people face in daily life.
  • We all have our cross to bear – A phrase acknowledging that everyone has their own difficulties or burdens.
  • Challenge accepted – A humorous way to acknowledge a difficult situation and show determination to overcome it.
  • Just keep swimming – A phrase popularized by Finding Nemo, meaning to keep going despite difficulties.
  • Hang in there – An encouraging phrase to persevere through tough times.
  • Keep on truckin’ – A colloquial expression meaning to continue persevering despite difficulties.

Alternatives to “The Struggle Is Real”

There are many ways to substitute words or other phrases for the idiom “the struggle is real.” Some alternatives you could use in place of this phrase include:

  • First world problems
  • This situation is minor but incredibly annoying
  • This situation is small but frustrating

“The Struggle Is Real” Examples

Example Sentences

  • I woke up late, couldn’t find my keys, and got stuck at every traffic light on my drive into work. The struggle is real.
  • If you ever want proof that the struggle is real, come live in my neighborhood for a week.

Example Conversations

A conversation between two friends at school.

  • Friend 1: I have a test today in two classes, a project due in another class, and a book report due in English!
  • Friend 2: Damn! That’s a lot on your plate to keep track of.
  • Friend 1: Tell me about it! The struggle is real my friend.

A conversation between two co-workers in the office.

  • Co-worker 1: You were late again today. Is everything okay with you?
  • Co-worker 2: To tell you the truth, I don’t know.
  • Co-worker 1: What’s going on?
  • Co-Worker 2: The baby keeps me up crying all night, the wife is going insane, my alarm clock is on the brinks, and I haven’t slept for more than three hours every night!
  • Co-worker 1: Wow! The struggle is real! It will get better though. It is always like this in the beginning.
Latest posts by Liam Daniel (see all)