Persnickety Definition Meaning Particular meaning is reasonably tricky to comprehend. It refers to someone who is vitally particular and judgmental. A persnickety individual tends to be meticulous and sets the bar high when it comes to criteria and flawlessness. Their fastidious nature can be viewed as laudable, but it can also intensify excessive criticism and unjustified dissatisfaction. Being persnickety is commonly associated with detailed focus on specifics but can also be seen as a form of obsessiveness.