persnickety adj meanings etymology and more Particular meaning is reasonably hard to grasp. It refers to someone who is immensely choosy and critical. A persnickety individual often be meticulous and sets the bar high when it comes to standards and flawlessness. Their fastidious nature can be viewed as laudable, but it can also exacerbate unreasonable criticism and unnecessary dissatisfaction. Being persnickety is frequently linked to meticulous focus on specifics but can also be seen as a manifestation of perfectionism.