Meaning & Definition of word "Fussy"

Fussy

/ˈfʌsi/

adjective:

  • 1. excessively particular or hard to please; finicky.
    • Example: She is very fussy about her food and won't eat anything that is not prepared just right.
  • 2. full of unnecessary details; intricate or complicated.
    • Example: The dress was too fussy for her taste, with frills and patterns that were overwhelming.
  • 3. excessively concerned with trivial details; fastidious.
    • Example: The project manager was fussy about formatting, insisting all the reports be aligned perfectly.

Etymology

Late 18th century; from fuss + -y.

Common Phrases and Expressions

fussy eater:

A person who is very particular about the food they eat.

fussy about details:

Being overly concerned with minor aspects of something.

fussy baby:

A baby that cries or is difficult to calm down.

Related Words

fastidious:

Very attentive to accuracy and detail.

finicky:

Fussy about one's needs or requirements.

meticulous:

Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.

Slang Meanings of fussy

Meaning: High-maintenance

Example Sentence: She needs a lot of attention; she's so fussy, I’d call her high-maintenance.

Meaning: Picky

Example Sentence: That guy is really fussy about where he sits; he's such a picky person.