Flyspecking: meaning, definitions and examples
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flyspecking
[ ˈflaɪˌspɛkɪŋ ]
detailed examination
Flyspecking refers to the act of scrutinizing and examining something in excessive detail, often to the point of being overly critical. It is usually used in contexts where there is a focus on minor flaws or imperfections rather than the overall quality or performance. This term can be applied in various fields, including editing, auditing, and even in personal critiques. Flyspecking can sometimes lead to unnecessary fussiness and can detract from the overall experience.
Synonyms
carping, criticizing, nitpicking.
Examples of usage
- The editor spent hours flyspecking the manuscript for any typos.
- Critics accused the reviewer of flyspecking the film instead of appreciating its overall impact.
- In the meeting, he was flyspecking the financial report, highlighting every minor discrepancy.
Translations
Translations of the word "flyspecking" in other languages:
🇵🇹 muito pequeno
🇮🇳 बहुत छोटा
🇩🇪 sehr klein
🇮🇩 sangat kecil
🇺🇦 дуже малий
🇵🇱 bardzo mały
🇯🇵 非常に小さい
🇫🇷 très petit
🇪🇸 muy pequeño
🇹🇷 çok küçük
🇰🇷 매우 작다
🇸🇦 صغير جدًا
🇨🇿 velmi malý
🇸🇰 veľmi malý
🇨🇳 非常小
🇸🇮 zelo majhen
🇮🇸 mjög lítið
🇰🇿 өте кішкентай
🇬🇪 ძალიან პატარა
🇦🇿 çox kiçik
🇲🇽 muy pequeño
Etymology
The term 'flyspecking' combines 'flyspeck', which refers to a tiny spot or blemish made by a fly, and the suffix '-ing' indicating the action of doing something. The word 'flyspeck' itself likely originated in the early 20th century, derived from the observation of tiny fly spots that could be difficult to notice but are present nonetheless. Its modern use has evolved to mean looking for minute details that may not substantially affect the larger picture. This reflects a cultural tendency towards perfectionism and the critique of minor flaws over more significant attributes. Over time, flyspecking has been used in various domains such as literature, film criticism, and projects in professional settings, where excessive focus on trivial elements can undermine overall assessments.