Pettifogging: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when describing someone who argues over trivial matters, often to cause delay or confusion. The term has a negative connotation.

• His pettifogging over the contract details wasted a lot of our time.
• She was known for her pettifogging, always complaining about the smallest issues.

Refers to arguing or raising objections about something trivial. Often used when someone is avoiding the main issue by focusing on minor points.

• Stop quibbling over the price and let's make the deal.
• We need to focus on solving the problem instead of quibbling about whose fault it is.

Used to describe someone who excessively focuses on small faults or insignificant details. It usually carries a negative implication.

• Her constant nitpicking about my work is driving me crazy.
• Instead of seeing the big picture, he just kept nitpicking at every little mistake.

Applies when someone makes overly fine distinctions or arguments about minor details, often regarded as unnecessary or overcomplicated.

• The debate became tiresome with all the hair-splitting about terminology.
• His hair-splitting arguments were more confusing than enlightening.