Picky Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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picky

[ˈpɪki ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

person

Showing or requiring great attention to detail; difficult to please.

Synonyms

choosy, discriminating, fussy, selective.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
picky	Often used to describe someone who is very specific about their preferences, sometimes to the point of being difficult to please. It can carry a negative connotation. She is so picky about her food that eating out with her is a challenge
selective	Indicates someone who is very careful in choosing among various options, often implying discernment and good judgment. It generally has a neutral or positive tone. They are selective about which projects they work on, ensuring that each one aligns with their values
choosy	Implies being very careful in making a choice or selecting among options, but generally less negative than 'picky'. He is quite choosy when it comes to selecting a new book to read
fussy	Similar to 'picky', this word often has a negative connotation and describes someone who is overly particular or demanding, especially in trivial matters. He's so fussy about how his clothes are folded that nobody else dares to do his laundry
discriminating	Describes someone with refined tastes who is able to make fine distinctions. It often has a positive connotation indicating good judgment. She is a discriminating wine collector, only choosing the best vintages for her cellar

Examples of usage

She was very picky about her food.
He's very picky when it comes to choosing a movie to watch.
The boss is picky about the presentation format.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

thing

Of high quality and standard; carefully selected.

Synonyms

exclusive, premium, select, top-quality.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
picky	Suitable for describing someone who is very particular and difficult to please, often in a negative or critical sense. She's very picky about the clothes she wears. He's picky when it comes to choosing restaurants.
premium	Typically relates to products or services that are of high quality and come with a higher price, often implying superior standards. This is a premium brand of coffee. They only stay in premium hotels.
select	Often describes a small, special group of people or things chosen for their superior quality. We have a select list of guests for the party. Only a select few were invited to the private screening.
exclusive	Used to describe something limited to a particular group or not available to everyone, often giving a sense of luxury or high status. They live in an exclusive neighborhood. The club is very exclusive and hard to get into.
top-quality	Typically used to describe something of the best quality available. These shoes are made from top-quality leather. We're looking for top-quality candidates for this position.

Examples of usage

The restaurant serves picky dishes from around the world.
She has a picky taste in fashion.
The picky ingredients used in the recipe make it special.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Studies show that being picky can be a sign of having high standards, which sometimes leads to better choices.
Picky eating is common in children as part of their developmental phase, as they learn about taste and texture.
Someone who is picky may also display perfectionism in other areas of their life, affecting their overall satisfaction.

Pop Culture

In popular media, picky characters often symbolize someone with unique tastes or high expectations, like certain food critics in movies.
Television shows often use picky characters to provide humor, showing their absurd requirements in everyday situations.
There are even pickiness-focused reality shows that challenge contestants to make choices under various criteria!

Education

Encouraging picky behavior in children can sometimes help them develop critical thinking about food and preferences.
Schools often promote a balanced diet, which can conflict with picky eaters who may reject healthy options naively.
Teachers sometimes use picky preferences to engage students, helping them explore new concepts through their specific interests.

Food Culture

Picky eating habits vary globally, influenced by cultural factors, family environment, and personal experiences.
Though considered a challenge, exceeding pickiness in food can encourage exploration of new cuisines or healthier alternatives.
Food industries often cater to picky eaters by providing specialized products, showcasing a market for custom preferences.

Origin of 'picky'

Main points about word origin

The word 'picky' is believed to have originated from the word 'pick', which means to choose or select something carefully.
It emerged in American English around the late 19th century, describing people who are fussy about their choices.
Often used interchangeably with the term 'finicky', both words describe someone who is hard to satisfy.

The word 'picky' originated from the late 19th century, derived from the word 'pick', meaning to choose or select carefully. Over time, 'picky' has evolved to describe someone who is very selective or particular, often with a negative connotation. The term is commonly used in informal contexts to describe someone who has specific preferences or high standards.

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

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,368 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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31365 slimmer
31366 direst
31367 countersunk
31368 picky
31369 crating
31370 supercharged
31371 pajama
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