The Archive

Etymology Journal · S

Somebody call the wah-mbulance

Meaning

A sarcastic response to someone who is complaining excessively or acting like a baby. It mockingly suggests that the person needs professional medical help for their sadness.

Sarcastic, mocking

Used in a sentence

  • Oh, you had to wait five minutes for your coffee? Somebody call the wah-mbulance.
  • She kept complaining about the heat until I said, somebody call the wah-mbulance.
  • I am tired of his constant complaining, somebody call the wah-mbulance.

The backstory

This is a modern, internet-era pun that combines whining with an ambulance. It is intended to be dismissive of someone’s constant complaining.

Heard in

Nationwide

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