Pernickety Definition Meaning Synonyms Fussy meaning is somewhat hard to grasp. It refers to someone who is extremely choosy and critical. A persnickety individual tends to nitpick and does not settle for less when it comes to standards and excellence. Their attention to detail can be regarded as praiseworthy, but it can also lead to unwarranted censure and avoidable dissatisfaction. Being persnickety is frequently related to exact attention to detail but can also be seen as a manifestation of perfectionism.