Persnickety definition in American English Choosy importance is reasonably elusive. It refers to someone who is vitally particular and nitpicking. A persnickety individual typically nitpick and does not settle for less when it comes to criteria and flawlessness. Their meticulousness can be seen as admirable, but it can also intensify overly demanding censure and unnecessary dissatisfaction. Being persnickety is frequently associated with thorough focus on
specifics but can also be seen as a type of pedantry.