tiquismiquis
/tikisˈmikis/
The English phrase "picky" can be translated into Spanish as tiquismiquis.
Tiquismiquis is used to describe someone who is very fussy, especially regarding food or minor details.
Which one should you use?
While tiquismiquis focuses on being fussy about small details, remilgado or remilgada is used to describe someone who is overly exacting or nitpicky.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Tiquismiquis is an informal term often used in a colloquial or slightly teasing way. Similarly, remilgado or remilgada is also considered informal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, you can use maniático or maniática to describe someone who is picky or obsessive.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word tiquismiquis is invariable, which means it does not change based on gender or number.
How do you pronounce it?
/tikisˈmikis/
Did you know?
- The word tiquismiquis actually traces its roots back to the Latin phrase tibi mihi, which means 'for you, for me'.
- While tiquismiquis is common in Spain, using it in some Latin American countries might sound distinctly Peninsular. Local speakers often prefer terms like especial or delicado to describe a picky eater.
- The rhythmic, repetitive sound of tiquismiquis is an example of reduplication, a linguistic device used in Spanish to create informal or playful words.
Examples in context
- Buen tiquismiquis estás hecho.You're picky, aren't you?This sentence is useful for showing how to express that someone is being picky using tiquismiquis.Tatoeba #6760527 by swyter, translation #2402267 by CK
- Mi jefe es muy exigente con la calidad del trabajo.My boss is very picky about the quality of work.
- María es muy detallista al elegir su ropa.María is very picky when choosing her clothes.
- El profesor es muy riguroso al corregir los exámenes.The teacher is very picky when grading exams.
- Mi hermana es tiquismiquis para comer.My sister is picky when it comes to eating.
- Mi vecino es muy maniático con la limpieza de su auto.My neighbor is very picky about cleaning his car.
- No seas tan tiquismiquis con la comida.Don't be so picky with the food.
- Mi hermano es un tiquismiquis con la limpieza.My brother is a picky person about cleanliness.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are deciding on a restaurant for dinner.
- SofíaMateo, ¿qué quieres cenar hoy?Mateo, what do you want to eat today?
- MateoNo sé, es que soy un poco tiquismiquis.I don't know, it's just that I am a bit picky.
- SofíaEres un tiquismiquis muy difícil de complacer.You are a very difficult picky person to please.
- MateoLo siento, Sofía, pero solo me gusta lo bueno.I'm sorry, Sofía, but I only like good things.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tiquismiquis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tiquismiquis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
