fussy eater

Meaning

A 'fussy eater' (often called a 'picky eater' in American English) is someone who is very selective about what they eat, often disliking many common foods, textures, or ingredients. This term is neutral but can sometimes carry a slightly negative or frustrated connotation when planning meals for others.

Examples

• My younger brother is such a fussy eater; he only eats white bread and pasta.

  My younger brother is such a fussy eater; he only eats white bread and pasta.

• It's hard to find a restaurant we all like because Sarah is a fussy eater.

  It's hard to find a restaurant we all like because Sarah is a fussy eater.

• I wasn't a fussy eater as a child, but I became much more selective as I grew older.

  I wasn't a fussy eater as a child, but I became much more selective as I grew older.

• The chef is happy to accommodate any fussy eater in your group with custom dishes.

  The chef is happy to accommodate any fussy eater in your group with custom dishes.

• Feeding a toddler can be difficult if they suddenly decide to become a fussy eater.

  Feeding a toddler can be difficult if they suddenly decide to become a fussy eater.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He is a very fastidious eater.

  ✓ He is a very fussy eater.

  While 'fastidious' means precise, 'fussy eater' and 'picky eater' are the natural, established collocations in English.

• ✗ My daughter is fussing about eating.

  ✓ My daughter is a fussy eater.

  While 'fussing' is a verb, the standard way to describe this personality trait is with the noun phrase 'fussy eater'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Preparing dinner for him is a nightmare because he is such a ___.

  💡 Someone who dislikes many foods.

  Show answer

  fussy eater

• Are you a ___ or do you eat pretty much anything?

  💡 A person who is hard to please with food.

  Show answer

  fussy eater