Definition

Describing something that is small, insignificant, or of little value.

Example

The picayunish details of the report were not worth the time spent discussing them.

Conversation

Did you hear about that picayunish argument they had over the last piece of cake?

Yeah, it was so silly!

I can't believe they got so worked up over something so picayunish.

Right? There are way bigger issues to worry about!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Picayunish is derived from the word 'picayune' (from the Spanish 'pica', meaning a small coin or a trifle). The suffix '-ish' (meaning having the quality of) indicates a characteristic. Therefore, 'picayunish' refers to something that is trivial or of little value, embodying the quality of being petty or insignificant.

Memory Tip

Think of 'picayune' as something that refers to a small or trivial matter, and the '-ish' means it has that quality. So, picayunish describes something that is petty or insignificant.

Visually Confused Words