Nitpicky Meaning and Definition
Nitpicky
Pronunciation
/ˈnɪtˈpɪki/
Part of Speech
Noun or Adjective
Definition
A person who is excessively concerned with trivial details or minutiae, showing a tendency to quibble or criticize excessively.
Examples
- My friend can be a bit nitpicky when it comes to editing papers.
- He’s always finding fault with the smallest details.
Synonyms
- Pedantic
- Finicky
- Fussy
Antonyms
- Laissez-faire
- Casual
- Relaxed
Etymology
The word “nitpicky” originated from the phrase “to nitpick,” which means to criticize or find fault with something in a excessive and pedantic manner.
Usage Notes
Nitpicky is often used to describe someone who is overly critical or demanding, often focusing on trivial details. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Cultural References
Nitpicky has been used in various forms of media, such as in literature, film, and television shows, often to describe a character’s annoying or precise nature.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Nitpicking at details”
- “Picking nits”
- “Fussing over trivial things”
Related Words or Phrases
- Pedantry
- Criticism
- Perfectionism
Collocations
- Nitpicky about details
- Nitpicky with grammar
- Nitpicky about timing
Frequency of Use
Nitpicky is a relatively common term used in everyday language, particularly in informal contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Nitiky
- Nitpike
- Nitpiky