persnickety adj meanings etymology and more Demanding meaning is fairly tricky to comprehend. It refers to someone who is exceptionally meticulous and nitpicking. A persnickety individual often nitpick and has high standards when it comes to standards and perfection. Their fastidious nature can be viewed as laudable, but it can also exacerbate excessive disapproval and unjustified dissatisfaction. Being persnickety is frequently linked to precise attention to detail but can also be seen as a form of perfectionism.