Persnickety Definition Meaning Particular significance is quite hard to grasp. It refers to someone who is exceptionally selective and nitpicking. A persnickety individual typically be meticulous and sets the bar high when it comes to standards and flawlessness. Their meticulousness can be viewed as laudable, but it can also lead to excessive disapproval and unjustified dissatisfaction. Being persnickety is often associated with detailed attention to detail but can also be seen as a form of obsessiveness.