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

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.

From 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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

She continued: “The budgeting ... you see how I am, nitpicking every little thing. I’ve never been like that. We were in Bloomingdale’s yesterday, I’m like, ‘We have to go to H&M.’”

From Los Angeles Times

After the meeting, Grippo allegedly began “scrutinizing the marketing team and nitpicking their performance,” using the resort’s security cameras to see what time they arrived to work and when they left.

From Los Angeles Times