- An exclamation used when something is annoying, inconvenient, difficult, or troublesome.
- Refers to a situation, task, or event rather than directly insulting a person (though a person's actions can be a pain).
Explanation
Origin
- Extends the literal meaning of physical 'pain' to metaphorical 'pain' as annoyance, hassle, or difficulty.
- Common since at least the mid-20th century. Related to pain in the neck/ass/backside.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- What a drag
- Such a hassle
- That sucks (Expresses sympathy for the situation)
- This blows (Expresses displeasure with the situation)
- A real headache
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- What a fucking pain / What a bitch (Referring to the situation, can be seen as misogynistic)
- This is bullshit / This is horseshit
Milder:
- How inconvenient
- That's bothersome
- What a nuisance
- That's unfortunate
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Acceptable in most everyday situations, including complaining about work tasks among colleagues.
- Avoid in very formal writing or speeches.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally clear. The context usually indicates inconvenience, not physical injury.
Examples
- Having to fill out all these forms is such a pain.
- My car broke down again. What a pain!
- The internet is down? What a pain, I need to send this email.
Dialogue
Chris: I just realized I left my wallet at home.
Dana: Oh no, what a pain! Do you need to go back and get it?
Chris: Yeah, I guess so. It's going to make me late though.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Airport security lines are insane today. What a pain! 😩 #travel
- Facebook Status: Trying to assemble this bookshelf... instructions are useless. What a pain.
- Comment: Dealing with insurance companies is always such a pain.
Response Patterns
- Agreement: Yeah, it really is., Tell me about it.
- Sympathy: Oh no, that sounds awful., I'm sorry to hear that.
- Offering help: Is there anything I can do to help?, Let me know if you need a hand.
- Sharing similar experience: Ugh, I hate when that happens., That happened to me last week.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- If context is unclear: What happened?, What's a pain?
- The speaker might sigh, complain further, reluctantly start the task, or seek help/alternatives.
Conversation Starter
- No. Expresses frustration about a specific current or recent situation.
Intonation
- Often said with a sigh or tone of exasperation.
- Stress usually falls heavily on PAIN. What a PAIN! or That's such a PAIN.
Generation Differences
- Used commonly across most age groups.
Regional Variations
- Common in most English-speaking regions.
- Pain in the neck is widespread and milder.
- Pain in the backside is common in UK/Aus.
- Pain in the ass/butt is common in US (ass is more vulgar).