fussbutton

English

Alternative forms

• fuss-button

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈfʌsˌbʌtn̩/

Noun

fussbutton (plural fussbuttons)

1. (Canada, US) One who complains or fusses a great deal, especially about unimportant matters.
   • 1871, Louisa M[ay] Alcott, “Chapter 6”, in Little Men: […], Boston, Mass.: Roberts Brothers, →OCLC:

     “ […] there’s old Buttercup in the big meadow, ride at her, Tom, and see her run,” proposed Dan, bent on mischief.
     “No, you mustn't,” began Demi, who was learning to distrust Dan’s propositions.
     “Why not, little fuss-button?” demanded Dan.

   • 1941, Cornelia Otis Skinner, “In Quest of Tea”, in Soap Behind the Ears‎^[1], New York: Dodd, Mead, page 149:

     Maybe I’m just an old fuss button. For undoubtedly thousands of Americans unquestioningly accept and down this insipid beverage and as far as I know there’s never been any petition presented at Washington in protest.

Synonyms

• fussbudget
• fusspot