Pickiness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pickiness

[ˈpɪkiˌnəs ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

personality trait

The quality of being excessively choosy or fussy, especially when it comes to selecting or accepting things.

Synonyms

choosiness, fussiness, selectiveness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pickiness	Pickiness usually refers to being very selective, especially in contexts involving food, clothing, or specific preferences. It often has a slightly negative connotation. Her pickiness about food makes it hard to find a restaurant she likes. He's known for his pickiness when it comes to choosing his clothes.
choosiness	Choosiness is similar to pickiness but is often used in a more neutral or slightly positive way. It implies being careful and deliberate in making choices. Her choosiness about her friends ensures that she surrounds herself with good people. He has a choosiness about the books he reads.
fussiness	Fussiness often has a negative connotation and suggests being overly concerned with minor details or easily upset. It's commonly used regarding food, personal comfort, or minor preferences. His fussiness about the room temperature can be annoying. She's known for her fussiness when it comes to how her desk is organized.
selectiveness	Selectiveness is generally neutral and can be used positively or negatively. It implies being careful or particular in choosing something, often based on specific criteria. His selectiveness in hiring ensures that only the best candidates join the team. Her selectiveness about the projects she takes on helps maintain her high standards.

Examples of usage

Her pickiness when it comes to food makes it difficult to find a restaurant she likes.
His pickiness in choosing a movie to watch often leads to hours of indecision.
The pickiness of the customer resulted in a lot of returned merchandise.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Pickiness can be linked to personality traits, where some people naturally prefer certain styles or tastes over others.
Studies show that individuals who display high pickiness in food preferences might have a greater sensitivity to tastes and textures.
It can also be influenced by experiences; for instance, a person who had only plain foods growing up might be more selective as an adult.

Cultural Perspectives

In some cultures, being picky is viewed negatively, suggesting a lack of appreciation for diversity.
Conversely, in cultures that emphasize individual preferences, pickiness can be seen as a sign of sophisticated taste.
Food pickiness can also vary by cultural context; certain foods considered delicacies in one region may be off-putting to those from another.

Education

Teachers often note that children can show pickiness in what subjects they enjoy or find interesting, which can influence their learning paths.
Encouraging kids to explore various activities can help reduce pickiness and foster a more open-minded approach to learning.
In early childhood development, being selective can sometimes be a phase as children figure out their preferences.

Literature

Literary characters exhibiting pickiness often symbolize deeper themes of control and personal choice, allowing readers to reflect on their own preferences.
Writers sometimes use picky characters to create humor or conflict, as their selective nature leads to entertaining scenarios.
Classic literature has portrayed pickiness as a trait of aristocratic characters who demand only the finest things in life.

Pop Culture

Reality TV shows often spotlight individuals who are picky, whether about food, fashion, or partners, turning it into drama and intrigue.
The rise of social media influencers has highlighted pickiness in lifestyle choices, where curated content showcases selective preferences.
In cooking shows, chefs are frequently judged on their pickiness about ingredients, which can either impress or alienate other contestants.

Origin of 'pickiness'

The word 'pickiness' originated from the verb 'pick', which dates back to the 12th century. Over time, 'pickiness' evolved to describe the quality of being overly selective or fussy. This trait is often associated with individuals who have specific preferences or high standards.

See also: pick, picked, picker, picking, pickle, pickup, picky.