Pettifogging often implies undue attention is being paid to trivial things that are not very important.

Trivial Matters

Using 'pettifogging' suggests a negative judgment about someone's focus on minor details.

Negative Tone

Expressing annoyance or frustration with someone, 'pettifogging' conveys their actions are irritating.

In legal contexts, 'pettifogging' suggests unethical behavior, often by a lawyer.

It implies sly, underhanded methods rather than outright criminal acts.

The word can imply someone is taking advantage of small and insignificant loopholes or rules.