Hairsplitter: meaning, definitions and examples
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hairsplitter
[ ˈhɛərˌsplɪtər ]
figurative language
A hairsplitter is a person who makes overly fine or trivial distinctions, often in a pedantic manner. They tend to focus on minute details that are not relevant to the overall context or situation. This behavior is generally viewed as being overly critical or nitpicky, and it can lead to frustration in discussions or debates. Hairsplitting is often seen in legal, academic, or rhetorical contexts where precision is key, yet it can also be a source of contention when the distinctions are seen as unnecessary.
Synonyms
cavil, fussbudget, nitpicker, pedant, quibbler.
Examples of usage
- During the debate, he was just being a hairsplitter, focusing on irrelevant details.
- The lawyer was criticized for being a hairsplitter about the terms of the contract.
- In class, her hairsplitting on the definition of terms confused everyone.
- Some argue that hairsplitting can be useful in legal matters, while others see it as excessive.
Translations
Translations of the word "hairsplitter" in other languages:
🇵🇹 pente fino
- detalhista
- picuinha
🇮🇳 नोकझोंक करने वाला
🇩🇪 Haarspalter
- Pedant
- kleinlich
🇮🇩 perinci
- pemisah rambut
- orang yang suka berdebat
🇺🇦 докучливий пильнувач
🇵🇱 dzielący włosy
🇯🇵 髪の毛を分ける人
🇫🇷 pinailleur
- têtu
- pointilleux
🇪🇸 quisquilloso
- pelo en la sopa
- perfeccionista
🇹🇷 saç ayırıcı
- titiz
- detaycı
🇰🇷 머리카락을 가르는 사람
🇸🇦 مفتش الشعر
🇨🇿 přehnaný detailista
🇸🇰 rozdeľovač vlasov
🇨🇳 挑剔的人
🇸🇮 razdjalec las
🇮🇸 hárskiptari
🇰🇿 шашты бөліп қарайтын адам
🇬🇪 თმის გაწყვეტილი
🇦🇿 saçları ayıran
🇲🇽 quisquilloso
Etymology
The term 'hairsplitter' originates from the literal act of splitting hairs, which implies an extreme degree of precision or minutiae. This phrase can be traced back to the 15th century, where it was used metaphorically to describe a person who pays too much attention to detail. The idea is that splitting hairs is both a difficult and unnecessary task, much like the behavior of a hairsplitter in conversations or arguments. Over time, it has evolved to encompass more general forms of pedantic behavior beyond its literal origins. Today, the word often carries a negative connotation, portraying individuals who prioritize trivial points over more substantial issues. The practice of hairsplitting may not only hinder productive dialogues but also reflects a deeper obsession with precision that is often unwarranted in everyday discourse.