Persnickety meaning is reasonably elusive. It refers to someone who is vitally picky and fault-finding. A persnickety individual typically nitpick and does not settle for less when it comes to criteria and excellence. Their attention to detail can be regarded as praiseworthy, but it can also magnify extreme disapproval and unjustified dissatisfaction. Being persnickety is typically linked to meticulous attention to detail but can also be seen as a manifestation of obsessiveness.