pickiest

Pickiest is the superlative form of the adjective picky, used to describe someone who is extremely selective or difficult to please in matters of taste, standards, or preferences. It is commonly applied to people, but can also refer to situations or criteria that are unusually stringent. The term often emphasizes a high degree of discernment in areas such as food, clothing, services, or performance.

Etymology and form: Picky is informal English dating from the 19th century, meaning fastidious or particular. The suffix -est forms the superlative, giving pickiest. The word carries a casual or humorous nuance and is more common in conversational usage than in formal writing.

Usage: Pickiest tends to describe people, though it can describe standards or requirements. It implies a greater level of selectivity than synonyms like picky or choosy, and its tone can range from lighthearted to critical depending on context. In professional discussions, it may appear in phrases like the pickiest reviewer or the pickiest quality criteria, often to indicate high expectations.

Examples: She is the pickiest diner in town, insisting that every dish be prepared to exact specifications. The pickiest buyer demanded a full inspection and warranty before closing the sale.

See also: picky; fussy; finicky; choosy; particular.