fussy

USAGE SUMMARY

"fussy" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is excessively particular and difficult to please. For example, "The restaurant manager was very fussy about the presentation of the food."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stick to neutral colours, otherwise it can all get a bit fussy and messy; and keep layers light or you'll end up looking like Joey in that episode of Friends when he put all of Chandler's clothes on at once.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

72° 19' W' (through Sept. 2) The annual campground-casual show organized by the independent curator Bob Nickas in the Bridgehampton summer home of Jose Martos, an art dealer, and Servane Mary, an artist, was always an odd fit for the fussy, privet-hedged Hamptons.

The New York Times - Arts

This may explain why most innovation in the industry involves changes in packaging and marketing, producing all that fussy paraphernalia, rather than changing what is in the bottle.Another implication, says Dr Roberts, is that it is probably best that people choose perfumes for themselves rather than for someone else unless they happen to know what the recipient likes.

The Economist

This appeals to fussy eaters and those with allergies.

The Economist

Men can be sold "deodorant" and possibly "aftershave", but the idea of all those dinky little bottles with their fussy paraphernalia is too much for the sensitive male ego.

The Economist

Although Singapore is being fussy about who gets into its casinos, it is unlikely to be as capricious as China is being about what goes on inside them: the Chinese authorities are reported to be considering imposing further restrictions on Macau's tables.

The Economist

Neither rock'n'roll nor hip-hop, the album is cinematic and cerebral, funky and fussy, its sound carved by Mr Costello's clear-cut tenor and Questlove's percussive snare.

The Economist

What is more, residents are increasingly fussy about having even the tidiest pub as a neighbour.

The Economist

The stage is being set for an aquacultural revolution.Blue is the colourTraditional aquaculture, of the kind that the Chinese invented many thousands of years ago, is a low-tech affair involving no more than a pond, some rotting vegetables and a few freshwater fish that are not too fussy about the quality of water they live in or the proximity of their neighbours.

The Economist

In part because I had too few daytime hours to ever finish preparing for class, in part to keep myself awake in the middle of the night, and in part because it seemed to soothe my otherwise very fussy baby, I spent many hours reading outloud from my "Marx Reader" while nursing him and rocking him back to sleep.

The Economist

Corporate chiefs complain that the combination of fussy regulators and demanding money managers makes it impossible to focus on long-term growth.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "fussy", be mindful of the context. It can imply negativity, so consider if a more neutral term like "particular" might be more appropriate.

Common error

While "fussy" is widely understood, it might be perceived as too informal in professional or academic writing. Opt for words like "meticulous" or "fastidious" to maintain a more formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "fussy" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe someone or something that is excessively particular or difficult to please. Ludwig examples show its application across varied contexts, from describing people to processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fussy" is a versatile adjective that describes someone or something excessively particular. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, and its high frequency in news and media indicates its widespread understanding. While generally neutral in tone, consider more formal alternatives like "meticulous" in professional or academic contexts. The provided examples illustrate the breadth of its application, from describing people's eating habits to complex regulatory processes. Remember that using the term implies specific requirements that may be difficult to satisfy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finicky

Suggests being particular and difficult to please, especially concerning food or small details.

fastidious

Implies meticulous attention to detail, sometimes to an excessive degree.

meticulous

Implies extreme care and precision.

particular

Indicates having specific preferences and requirements.

choosy

Implies being careful and selective in making choices.

exacting

Implies demanding a high standard of accuracy and detail.

discriminating

Suggests having refined taste or judgment.

nitpicking

Focuses on minor or trivial faults or errors.

demanding

Indicates requiring a lot of effort, attention, or other qualities from other people.

critical

Suggests a tendency to find fault or express disapproval.

FAQs

How to use "fussy" in a sentence?

"Fussy" is an adjective that describes someone who is very particular or hard to please. For example, "The baby was very fussy and wouldn't stop crying."

What can I say instead of "fussy"?

You can use alternatives like "particular", "finicky", or "fastidious" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "fussy eater" or "picky eater"?

Both "fussy eater" and "picky eater" are commonly used and generally interchangeable, although "picky" might be slightly more common in American English.

What's the difference between "fussy" and "fastidious"?

"Fussy" generally implies being difficult to please, while "fastidious" suggests a meticulous attention to detail and cleanliness. "Fastidious" often carries a more positive connotation.