Persnickety Definition Meaning Particular sense is reasonably difficult to understand. It refers to someone who is extremely selective and judgmental. A persnickety individual tends to be fastidious and has high standards when it comes to quality and excellence. Their attention to detail can be seen as admirable, but it can also exacerbate excessive disapproval and unjustified dissatisfaction. Being persnickety is often related to exact focus on specifics but can also be seen as a form of obsessiveness.