different between stickler vs neatnik

English

Etymology

From Middle English stighteler, stytelere, equivalent to stickle +? -er. The judges at Cornish wrestling matches do indeed carry sticks which serve for signalling and as a badge of their office. This practice has evolved from holding swords and then swordsticks.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?st?k.l?/

Noun

stickler (plural sticklers)

1. (now only Cornwall) A referee or adjudicator at a fight, wrestling match, duel, etc. who ensures fair play. [from 16th c.]
   • 1658, John Dryden, Stanza to Oliver Cromwell

2. Someone who insistently advocates for something. [from 17th c.]

   Synonyms: dogmatist, formalist, pedant, traditionalist

   • 1713, Jonathan Swift, A Preface to Bishop Burnet's Introduction

Related terms

• stickle

Translations

Anagrams

• strickle, ticklers, trickles

English

Etymology

neat +? -nik, to rhyme with beatnik.

Noun

neatnik (plural neatniks)

1. A stickler for neatness or cleanliness.

   His mom is such a neatnik that a dirty dish never even hits her sink.

Translations

Anagrams

• intaken, taken in