Persnickety definition and meaning Persnickety sense is fairly difficult to understand. It refers to someone who is immensely picky and fault-finding. A persnickety individual frequently nitpick and does not settle for less when it comes to standards and flawlessness. Their fastidious nature can be seen as admirable, but it can also magnify unwarranted disapproval and unjustified dissatisfaction. Being persnickety is commonly related to thorough attention to detail but can also be seen as a type of obsessiveness.