this is why we can't have nice things

English

Etymology

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

Phrase

this is why we can't have nice things

1. (humorous) Expressing reproach when somebody harms or damages something.
   • 2016, Jen Swann Downey, The Ninja Librarians: Sword in the Stacks:

     "This is why we can't have nice things," said Dorrie's father, breaking into her thoughts. "Like appliances."
     Dorrie glanced over at the corner of the ballroom-declared-kitchen to see him lifting several tacks out of a pot of clam chowder with a slotted spoon.

   • 2017, Taylor Swift, Jack Antonoff (lyrics and music), “This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things”, in Reputation‎^[1], performed by Taylor Swift:

     This is why we can't have nice things, darling / Because you break them, I had to take them away / This is why we can't have nice things, honey, oh / Did you think I wouldn't hear all the things you said about me? / This is why we can't have nice things

   • 2020, Alex Almeida, Wandering Tales volumes 1 & 2:

     "This is why we can't have nice things," said a Mountain to a man, "You don't yet respect the impermanence of living ...and the permanence of life."