Minor faultfinder (9) - Crossword Clue
Answer: NITPICKER
Understanding "Minor Faultfinder" in Crossword Puzzles
Minor faultfinder is a behavioral crossword clue that answers to NITPICKER (9 letters). In crossword terminology, this clue describes someone who obsessively points out small, insignificant flaws or mistakes rather than focusing on larger issues.
This vocabulary-based clue appears regularly in major crossword publications, combining informal language with psychology to create an accessible yet sophisticated puzzle entry that resonates with everyday experience.
Why NITPICKER Means Minor Faultfinder
The answer NITPICKER refers to someone who focuses excessively on trivial details, finding fault with minor imperfections. The term originates from the literal act of picking nits (lice eggs) from hair:
- Excessive attention to detail: Focusing on insignificant flaws while missing the bigger picture
- Petty criticism: Pointing out trivial mistakes that don't affect overall quality or function
- Perfectionist tendencies: Often driven by unrealistic standards of flawlessness
- Annoying behavior: Generally viewed negatively as tedious and pedantic
- Workplace dynamics: Common in professional environments where precision matters but can be taken too far
Tips for Solving "Minor Faultfinder" Clues
Strategic Solving Approaches
- Decode "minor": The word "minor" is crucial—it distinguishes nitpicking from legitimate criticism. This signals looking for someone who focuses on trivial rather than important faults.
- Think compound words: NITPICKER combines "nit" + "picker," making it a compound agent noun. Recognizing this structure helps if you only have partial letters.
- Count the letters: At 9 letters, NITPICKER fits standard mid-length answer requirements. The -ER ending is typical for "one who" clues.
- Use context clues: If the puzzle theme involves workplace behavior, personality types, or criticism, NITPICKER becomes more likely.
- Consider synonyms: Words like perfectionist, critic, and stickler describe related concepts, but NITPICKER specifically emphasizes trivial fault-finding.
- Check crossing answers: The NIT- opening is distinctive. Even 2-3 confirmed letters make NITPICKER obvious to experienced solvers.
Minor faultfinder (9) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Are there other 9-letter answers for "minor faultfinder"?
A: NITPICKER is the definitive answer. While QUIBBLER (8) and CAVILER (7) describe similar behavior, they don't fit the 9-letter requirement.
Q: Is nitpicking always negative?
A: In crossword context, yes. While attention to detail can be positive (quality control, editing), the term "nitpicker" specifically carries negative connotations of excessive, annoying precision.
Q: How do I distinguish NITPICKER from related words?
A: Remember letter counts: NITPICKER (9), QUIBBLER (8), STICKLER (8), PEDANT (6), CRITIC (6). The clue's wording usually points specifically to trivial or minor faults.
Q: How can I remember this answer for future puzzles?
A: Visualize the compound: NIT (tiny louse egg) + PICKER (someone who picks). The image of someone obsessively picking at tiny things reinforces the meaning.
Q: Does NITPICKER appear in cryptic crosswords?
A: Yes, though cryptics add wordplay. Example: "One finding tiny faults in knitting project? (9)" where "knitting" hints at NIT and "picking" is literal.
