Pickier: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'picky' comes from the verb 'pick', indicating a selective choice.
• It became popular in American English in the early 20th century, often used to describe fussy eaters.
• The addition of 'ier' makes it a comparative, meaning more picky than others.

Psychology

• Being pickier can relate to personality traits like conscientiousness and perfectionism.
• Some studies show that pickiness might stem from past experiences or negative associations with certain foods.
• Children often become pickier as they develop tastes, usually around the ages of 2 to 5, influenced by their environment.

Culture

• Different cultures have varying perceptions of pickiness; what’s considered picky behavior in one culture may be normal in another.
• In some cultures, being picky about food is seen as a sign of refinement, while in others, it may be viewed negatively.
• Food trends often emerge from pickiness; for example, the rise of gluten-free and vegan diets reflects a more discerning approach to food.

Social Dynamics

• In the dating world, being perceived as pickier can affect social interactions and relationship success.
• People may express pickiness about personal choices, from food to entertainment, indicating a strong sense of individual preference.
• Pickiness can lead to both positive and negative outcomes, as it may reflect a person’s standards or become a barrier to experiencing new things.

Nutrition

• Picky eaters, especially children, are often encouraged to try new foods to expand their nutritional intake.
• Research indicates that exposure to diverse foods can help reduce pickiness over time.
• A balanced approach to feeding picky eaters includes gradual introduction of different tastes and textures.