persnickety

[ per-snik-i-tee ]

adjective

, Informal.

1. overparticular; fussy.

   Synonyms: finicky

2. snobbish or having the aloof attitude of a snob.
3. requiring painstaking care.

persnickety

/ pəˈsnɪkɪtɪ /

adjective

1. the US word for pernickety

Other Words From

• per·snicket·i·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of persnickety¹

1885–90; originally Scots, variant of pernickety

Example Sentences

Who cares if your persnickety aunt or controlling cousin surveys the updated holiday table with a huff?

From Salon

Howard is persnickety but forbearing and appreciates quirks.

From Salon

"The rest is needlessly persnickety. Very much in keeping with her tone and tenor last we saw her during the investigation," he added.

From Salon

Earlier, more persnickety machines would operate between 50% and 75% of the available time, vexing officials trying to schedule a facility’s users.

From Science Magazine

She asked if it looked OK or if she was just being too persnickety.

From Seattle Times