1. Difficult to please:
* About food: Someone who is fussy about food might only eat a very limited range of things and be very particular about how their food is prepared.
* About appearances: Someone who is fussy about appearances might spend a lot of time on their grooming and be very concerned about how they look.
* About details: Someone who is fussy about details might be very meticulous and pay close attention to even the smallest things.
2. Irritable or easily upset:
* This meaning is often used to describe someone who is easily bothered by things, often complaining or getting annoyed.
3. Detailed or intricate:
* This meaning is less common and is often used to describe something that is elaborate or carefully made, such as a "fussy design."
Examples:
* "My toddler is so fussy about food; she'll only eat plain pasta." (Difficult to please)
* "She's a bit fussy about her clothes and always has to look perfect." (Difficult to please)
* "The architect was fussy about the details of the building's design." (Detailed)
* "Don't be so fussy, it's just a small mistake." (Irritable)
The specific meaning of "fussy" will be clear from the context in which it is used.