nit pick
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Puzzle #195 · December 13, 2025
To nit pick is to look for and criticize minor faults.
Historically it meant to pick nits, the eggs of lice, out of another's hair - a problem that plagued humanity for millions of years.
In the 1950s and 60s, the term began to be used metaphorically. Going through something with a fine tooth comb, is also an expression related to removing lice.
Historically it meant to pick nits, the eggs of lice, out of another's hair - a problem that plagued humanity for millions of years.
In the 1950s and 60s, the term began to be used metaphorically. Going through something with a fine tooth comb, is also an expression related to removing lice.
Puzzle Appearances
The expression nit pick has appeared in 1 puzzle:
- Puzzle #195 on December 13, 2025
Rate of Appearance in English Language Print
Google's Ngram project shows how often a pair of words has appeared in print every year since the 1800's.
Data from Google Books Ngram Viewer. Licensed under CC BY 3.0.
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