Fussy: meaning, definitions and examples

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fussy

[ˈfʌsi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

behavior

Showing excessive or anxious concern about details.

Synonyms

finicky, particular, picky.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fussy	Used when someone makes a lot of small and unnecessary demands or complaints, often seen in children or people who are hard to please. Context can be both negative and neutral depending on the situation. The baby was fussy all night and wouldn't sleep. He's so fussy about what he eats, he won't even try new foods.
particular	Indicates a person who insists on having their own way or standards, but not necessarily in an unreasonable manner. It can be used positively or neutrally, depending on the tone. She's very particular about how her work is presented. He's particular about his coffee; it must be made just right.
finicky	Describes someone who is difficult to please because they pay too much attention to small details. This term often has a somewhat negative connotation. She's very finicky about her clothes, everything has to be perfect. He's a finicky eater, won't touch anything with sauce.
picky	Commonly used to describe someone who is very selective and hard to please, especially with food or preferences. Generally has a neutral to slightly negative connotation. She's picky when it comes to choosing restaurants. The cat is picky about its food and won't eat just anything.

Examples of usage

He was very fussy about his food, insisting on only the freshest ingredients.
The fussy customer complained about every little imperfection in the product.
She became fussy when things didn't go exactly as planned.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

baby

Easily upset or agitated; over-sensitive.

Synonyms

cranky, irritable, whiny.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fussy	This word is commonly used to describe someone who is very particular and hard to please, often over minor details. The baby is very fussy about his food. She's fussy about the way her clothes are arranged in the closet.
irritable	Irritable is used to describe someone who becomes annoyed or angry easily. It often applies to temporary states and can describe reactions to stress, illness, or discomfort. After a long day at work, she was feeling irritable and snapped at her husband. The medication made him feel irritable and restless.
cranky	Cranky is often used to describe someone who is easily annoyed, especially when tired or not feeling well. It can also describe moodiness in children or adults. The toddler gets cranky in the afternoons if he doesn't nap. He was cranky because he hadn't had his morning coffee.
whiny	Whiny describes someone who complains frequently in a high-pitched, complaining tone of voice. It is generally used in a negative context. The children became whiny during the long car ride. He was acting whiny about having to do his homework.

Examples of usage

The fussy baby wouldn't stop crying until she was held.
He's always been a fussy eater, even as a child.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'fussy' comes from the 19th century, possibly from the dialect ‘fuss’, which means to fuss or complain.
Previously, it described something as being in a 'fuss' about details, like a person worrying too much over small things.

Psychology

People who are described as fussy may have higher levels of anxiety when faced with imperfections or uncertainty.
Fussiness can be a sign of perfectionism, where an individual may struggle to accept anything less than ideal.

Pop Culture

In popular cartoons, fussy characters often bring humor by overreacting to small issues, showcasing exaggerated personality traits.
Fussy behavior is commonly portrayed in films where a character's quirks serve as comic relief, highlighting their particular nature.

Child Development

Children can exhibit fussy behavior when they are anxious or overwhelmed, often seeking comfort in routines or favorite toys.
Fussiness in young children can indicate their growing independence as they assert their preferences and dislikes.

Culinary

In food culture, fussy eaters are often characterized by their selective taste, often avoiding various textures or flavors.
The rise of food influencers has led to more people identifying as fussy due to the overwhelming options and ideas surrounding diets.

Translations

Translations of the word "fussy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 exigente

🇮🇳 चिड़चिड़ा

🇩🇪 wählerisch

🇮🇩 rewel

🇺🇦 вибагливий

🇵🇱 wybredny

🇯🇵 気難しい

🇫🇷 difficile

🇪🇸 quisquilloso

🇹🇷 titiz

🇰🇷 까다로운

🇸🇦 صعب الإرضاء

🇨🇿 vybíravý

🇸🇰 vyberavý

🇨🇳 挑剔的

🇸🇮 izbirčen

🇮🇸 kröfuharður

🇰🇿 таңдағыш

🇬🇪 მოთხოვნადი

🇦🇿 tələbkar

🇲🇽 quisquilloso

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,275, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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23272 flogged
23273 spurned
23274 despondent
23275 fussy
23276 nationhood
23277 salting
23278 asexual
...