nitpicker
|nit-pick-er|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˈnɪtˌpɪkər/
🇬🇧
/ˈnɪtˌpɪkə/
(nitpick)
finding small faults
Etymology
Etymology Information
'nitpicker' originates from the English word 'nit,' which refers to the egg of a louse, and 'pick,' meaning to remove or select.
Historical Evolution
'nitpicker' evolved from the practice of picking nits from hair, which was a meticulous and detailed task, eventually becoming a metaphor for someone who focuses on trivial details.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to the literal act of picking nits, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of focusing on trivial details.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who finds small or unimportant faults in something, often excessively.
He's such a nitpicker when it comes to grammar.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/02/14 16:12