The word 挑剔 is formed through the vivid combination of two characters, each depicting a specific, critical action. The first character, 挑 (tiāo), means to pick or choose, often with a bamboo pole or similar tool, evoking the image of carefully selecting one item from among others. The second, 剔 (tī), means to pick out or remove meticulously, as in cleaning bones or carving. When placed together, they create a powerful compound metaphor: the act of repeatedly and fastidiously picking over something, scrutinizing and eliminating any perceived flaw, which perfectly captures the meaning of being excessively nitpicky, finicky, or hyper-critical.