Persnicketiness definition of persnicketiness by The Free Persnickety meaning is fairly difficult to understand. It refers to someone who is exceedingly picky and critical. A persnickety individual tends to be meticulous and has high standards when it comes to standards and perfection. Their meticulousness can be seen as admirable, but it can also magnify overly demanding criticism and avoidable dissatisfaction. Being persnickety is commonly linked to meticulous attention to detail but can also be seen as a manifestation of obsessiveness.