FUSSY Meaning and
Definition
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Fussy is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is excessively particular, highly demanding, or overly attentive to even minor details. It suggests an attitude or behavior that reflects a finicky or picky nature, often causing unnecessary fuss or trouble. When referring to a person, fussy typically characterizes someone who is excessively concerned with trivial matters, highly critical, or hard to please. Such individuals may show meticulous attention to detail and may be difficult to satisfy. They tend to be highly sensitive to imperfections, having precise expectations or requirements.
Fussy can also describe things or situations that are unnecessarily complicated, bothersome, or time-consuming. For example, a fussy process might involve multiple steps or intricate procedures. In this sense, being fussy implies that something is needlessly complex or more complicated than it needs to be.
However, the term can also be applied positively in certain contexts. For instance, a fussy caregiver might be someone who diligently pays attention to every detail when taking care of someone else's needs. In this case, it suggests the person is highly responsible and attentive.
Overall, fussy relates to an excessive concern for precision, specific requirements, or attention to detail, often in a negative connotation due to the potential for unnecessary fuss or complexity.
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Troublesome and bustling about a small matter.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for FUSSY *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for FUSSY
Etymology of FUSSY
The word "fussy" originated in the mid-18th century and its etymology is uncertain. However, there are a few theories regarding its origin:
1. One possibility is that "fussy" derived from the Old Norse word "fussa", meaning "to bustle or make a fuss". This connection is supported by the fact that the word first appeared in British dialects of English, which were influenced by Old Norse.
2. Another theory suggests that "fussy" is related to the word "fuss", which appeared earlier in the English language. "Fuss" originally meant "to do needless or unnecessary bustle or activity, to be busy about trifles". The addition of the suffix "-y" often denotes an inclination, so "fussy" could be seen as an adjective form of "fuss".
Idioms with the word FUSSY
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fussy as a hen with one chick
The idiom "fussy as a hen with one chick" refers to someone who is excessively concerned, overprotective, or anxious about a specific person or thing. It suggests that the person in question is overly attentive and fusses over every detail, similar to a mother hen obsessively caring for a single chick.
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I'm not fussy/fussed
The idiom "I'm not fussy/fussed" means that the person is not particular or specific about something. They do not have strong preferences or requirements and are not easily bothered by small details or inconveniences.
Similar spelling words for FUSSY
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