Persnickety definition and meaning Demanding meaning is fairly tricky to comprehend. It refers to someone who is vitally selective and nitpicking. A persnickety individual typically nitpick and has high standards when it comes to quality and excellence. Their meticulousness can be seen as admirable, but it can also intensify extreme criticism and unnecessary dissatisfaction. Being persnickety is often associated with detailed attention to detail but can also be seen as a type of
pedantry.