Persnicketiness definition of persnicketiness by The Free Choosy meaning is fairly elusive. It refers to someone who is exceptionally meticulous and disapproving. A persnickety individual often be fastidious and sets the bar high when it comes to quality and flawlessness. Their fastidious nature can be viewed as laudable, but it can also exacerbate extreme criticism and avoidable dissatisfaction. Being persnickety is frequently associated with meticulous focus on specifics but can also be seen as a form of obsessiveness.