While pinpointing the absolute origin is difficult, the phrase "Sorry, not sorry" began gaining traction in the 2000s.
According to Dictionary.com, several instances contributed to its spread:
- 2004: The American rock band Amen released a song titled "Sorry, Not Sorry," featuring the lyrics "Sorry, I'm not sorry."
- 2007: Columnist James Pinkerton used the phrase to criticize former CIA Director Tenet, calling him “Sorry/Not Sorry” after he secured a large book deal.
Therefore, the phrase likely evolved in popular culture throughout the 2000s, with these examples representing early documented uses contributing to its increasing recognition and adoption. It's hard to say exactly where it started but it was gaining popularity from around 2004-2007.
