# this is why we can't have nice things

> English word · Phrase

## Definitions
1. Expressing reproach when somebody harms or damages something.

## Etymology
Said to have been popularized by American stand-up comedian Paula Poundstone.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/this-is-why-we-can-t-have-nice-things