persnickety EnglishFrench Dictionary WordReferencecomPersnickety definition is fairly tricky to comprehend. It refers to someone who is immensely picky and nitpicking. A persnickety individual typically be fastidious and has high standards when it comes to expectations and flawlessness. Their fastidious nature can be seen as admirable, but it can also magnify unwarranted censure and unnecessary dissatisfaction. Being persnickety is regularly related to exact focus on specifics but can also be seen as a type of pedantry.