'fussbudget' originates from American English, specifically formed from the English word 'fuss' combined with a humorous or fanciful suffix like 'budget' (also attested as 'budget'), where 'fuss' meant 'a state of unnecessary excitement, worry, or commotion.'

'fussbudget' appeared in late 19th-century American usage in variant spellings such as 'fussbudget' and 'fussbugget' and eventually stabilized in modern English as 'fussbudget.'

Initially used humorously to label someone who is overly exacting or fussy; over time the word has retained this informal meaning and is still used to describe a picky, particular person.