Definition: The cumulative psychological erosion caused by enduring relentless, low-level criticism from people in your daily orbit. Each nitpick feels insignificant alone, but together they act like abrasive grit slowly wearing down your self-worth and emotional resilience. It’s not dramatic screaming matches—it’s death by a thousand papercuts where every comment implies you’re perpetually inadequate. The victim often doesn’t realize they’re bleeding out emotionally until they’re a hollowed-out husk of their former self.
Example: “After five years with her micromanaging boss, Jamie’s confidence was pure Soul Sandpaper. She flinches now when anyone says ‘Actually…’ and triple-checks her coffee order like it’s a tax return.”