Fussy: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.