Gabriel
English question Hi, there Let’s say your husband/wife is too much of a perfectionist. For example, if they always eat their food in a particular order, if they keep their books arranged in a certain way, always sit in the same place on the couch, etc. What are some adjectives that I could use? “You are too anal!” “You are too methodical” “You are too meticulous” Someone like Sheldon Cooper (the big bang theory) What would you say? Thank you
Apr 4, 2019 10:15 PM
Answers · 13
1
You would never say someone is "too anal". You would say they are "so anal" or just "anal". As far as it being offensive, you should be aware of the possibility, but it depends on the context. "Stop being so anal." could be said among friends, spouses etc. In general, saying "you are X" is harsher than a phrasing that criticizes someone's actions. "compulsive" has a similar meaning with less risk of being impolite. "Stop being so compulsive" "Can you please try to be less compulsive? You're driving me nuts."
April 5, 2019
1
I would avoid 'anal'. That's too rude to use to your partner, even if you are annoyed. A couple of options: You're too fernickety / pernickety. (Depending on your flavour of English) You're too OCD.
April 4, 2019
Yeah, I agree with Gary. It is kind of rude to use the word anal, it has a negative connotation. But if I were annoyed with my husband, I would say it. You could say, why are you so particular? A lot of people say OCD as Gary mentioned but some people may take offense to that.
April 4, 2019
"You are obsessive-compulsive./ You've got an OCD".
April 5, 2019
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