Pickish

Pickish describes someone, typically a child, who is excessively particular or fastidious about food, often refusing to eat anything they deem undesirable. This behavior extends to being fussy or selective in other areas, like clothing, activities, or social interactions, signifying a preference for specific, often limited, choices. It can involve exaggerated sensitivities to textures, tastes, or presentation. This trait often presents a challenge for caregivers and can stem from a variety of underlying factors, including sensory processing differences, learned behaviors, and anxiety around new experiences. It often implies a negative connotation, highlighting the individual's inflexibility and potential difficulty in adjusting to different circumstances or environments. It is not typically used in a formal setting.

Pickish meaning with examples

• The toddler was notoriously pickish, refusing vegetables of any kind and only eating plain pasta with butter. It made mealtimes a daily battle of wills, and her parents were constantly searching for new ways to sneak nutrients into her diet. The fear of not liking something and wasting food was a constant concern.
• Sarah, a pickish eater since childhood, would only consume chicken nuggets and french fries, causing frustration for her family. Her parents tried various methods, including bribery and gentle persuasion, but with little success in expanding her culinary horizons. This limited diet severely impacted her nutritional intake and social life.
• My niece is very pickish about her clothes, only wanting to wear soft fabrics in pastel colors. She refuses anything itchy or too tight, even if the weather dictates otherwise. It often leads to wardrobe issues during her childhood; creating issues when finding age and season appropriate clothes.
• The event planning went awry because the host was very pickish about every aspect of it, wanting specific flowers, music, and guest lists, leading to clashes with the event planner. The constant revisions and demands created a tense and stressful environment, nearly ruining the special day. It's better to get rid of the pickiness to get anything done.
• He was pickish when choosing his friends, only associating with those who shared his precise interests and values, and this limited his social circle and life experiences. This exclusivity led to a lack of diversity in his social life, and a lack of acceptance for those with different opinions, making him closed-minded.