Pernickety: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'pernickety' comes from the Scottish phrase 'pernickety,' which means 'finicky' or 'fussy.'
• Early uses of the term can be traced back to the late 19th century in Scotland.
• It's often thought to derive from the older word 'pernickety', indicating a person who is overly concerned with trivial matters.

Pop Culture

• The character of 'Monica Geller' from the sitcom 'Friends' is often described as pernickety due to her obsessive cleanliness and organization.
• In Roald Dahl’s 'Matilda,' the character of Miss Trunchbull is portrayed as pernickety about rules and discipline.
• Pernickety characters often appear in comedies, as their fussiness leads to humorous situations.

Literature

• In Jane Austen's works, several characters exhibit pernickety behavior, often leading to social conflict and humor.
• The famous children's book 'A Bad Case of Stripes' illustrates a character's pernickety nature about her appearance, which ultimately leads her to realize it's okay to be different.
• British literature often features characters with pernickety traits to highlight the complexity of social norms.

Psychology

• Being pernickety can sometimes relate to obsessive-compulsive traits, where individuals have a strong need for order.
• The trait can lead to anxiety if the individual feels that their high standards are not met.
• Pernickety behavior is often viewed as a coping mechanism for uncertainty, providing comfort through control over details.

Societal Implications

• In workplaces, pernickety individuals may excel in quality assurance roles but can cause friction in team dynamics due to their high expectations.
• Socially, a pernickety nature can be seen as a mark of professionalism or elitism in certain contexts, like fashion or gourmet dining.
• Culturally, different societies tolerate or encourage pernickety behavior to varying degrees, affecting social interactions.

At position #41,026, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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• 41023 serenata
• 41024 outmanoeuvre
• 41025 hammy
• 41026 pernickety
• 41027 swansdown
• 41028 jounce
• 41029 snogging
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