nitpick

Or nit-pick

[nit-pik]

verb (used without object)

1. to be excessively concerned with or critical of inconsequential details.

verb (used with object)

1. to criticize by focusing on inconsequential details.

noun

1. a carping, petty criticism.

adjective

1. Also nitpicky of, relating to, or characteristic of a person who nitpicks.

   a nitpick review of the miniseries.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nitpick¹

First recorded in 1965–70; nit ¹ + pick ¹

Example Sentences

Some pretended to be difficult customers to allow the waitstaff to rehearse for future nitpicking.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"One day of rehearsals and we're really in sync. Then we nitpick the rest."

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But all cynicism and nitpicking aside, it is admittedly fascinating to see Swift sit down for an extended period to talk about her life and career.

Read more on Salon

After six years of hold-ups and redesigns on that project — due, he said, to townsfolk endlessly nitpicking his plans — he has decided to bail on Carmel.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Her nitpicking boss chastises her for not overloading her uniform with incongruent buttons, or “flair,” insisting she needs to “express herself.”

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