nitpick

From nit +‎ pick, originally referring to literally removing invisibly tiny louse eggs by hand.

• IPA^(key): /ˈnɪt.pɪk/

• Audio (US)

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Lua error in Module:utilities at line 142: attempt to perform arithmetic on local 'h' (a nil value)

1. (figurative) To correct insignificant mistakes or find fault in unimportant details.

   Synonyms: cavil, flyspeck

   Someone will invariably nitpick about any spelling error posted to the forums.

   • 2012 April 26, Tasha Robinson, “Film: Reviews: The Pirates! Band Of Misfits :”, in The Onion AV Club‎:

     But Pirates! comes with all the usual Aardman strengths intact, particularly the sense that its characters and creators alike are too good-hearted and sweet to nitpick. The ambition is all in the craft rather than in the storytelling, but it’s hard to say no to the proficiency of that craft, or the mild good cheer behind it.

2. (archaic, literal) To pick nits (lice eggs) from someone’s hair.
   I nitpicked his hair.

• nitpicker
• nit-picking
• nitpickish
• nitpicky

• quibble
• split hairs