persnickety

American  

[per-snik-i-tee] / pərˈsnɪk ɪ ti /

adjective

Informal.

1. overparticular; fussy.

   Synonyms:

   finicky

2. snobbish or having the aloof attitude of a snob.

3. requiring painstaking care.

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persnickety British  

/ pəˈsnɪkɪtɪ /

adjective

1. the US word for pernickety

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Other Word Forms

• persnicketiness noun

Etymology

Origin of persnickety

1885–90; originally Scots, variant of pernickety

Example Sentences

He was known for regularly ambling by and commandeering these tour groups to show off whatever latest project he had going or demonstrate the precise and persnickety method he’d perfected for planting a tree.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s certainly a sight better than Operation Total Nuuk Submission, which requires agitating the whole of the European Continent, weirding out allies, and posturing over title like a persnickety real-estate agent.

From The Wall Street Journal

Their book lays out the duo’s signature “values-based spending” approach, which eschews persnickety budgeting and helps you choose what to buy based on what you value most.

From Salon

“Don’t go writing that she’s persnickety about her water,” Underwood joked.

From Los Angeles Times

This pie will impress even your persnickety aunt.

From Salon