1 definition by nobranknerms
A (generally) ironic saying often used in place of the saying, "first world problems". Has slightly more urban undertones than "first world problems". Denotes a situation where the user wishes to express that they are encountering some sort of undesirable difficulty, but dealing with it. With irony, it has a comical effect of dramatizing a non-critical, yet undesirable situation.
Tom: I had to walk to class today because my bike got a flat tire.
Adam: Must've been real hard, man.
Tom: Yeah. The struggle is real.
Adam: Must've been real hard, man.
Tom: Yeah. The struggle is real.
by nobranknerms October 12, 2013