A specific, rigid standard of evidence that an arguer plants in the ground as the only acceptable form of validation for a claim. Unlike a simple goalpost, a proofpost is defined by its fetishization of a particular, often hyper-formal, type of proof—like demanding a peer-reviewed longitudinal study to acknowledge an anecdotal experience. It’s the initial, unreasonable demand for a specific kind of evidence that the opponent is unlikely to provide.
Proofpost Example: In a discussion about the emotional toll of gig work, someone states, “I’ll only accept proof in the form of a randomized control trial showing a causal link between app-based driving and clinical depression. Personal stories are just noise.” They’ve set a proofpost—an almost impossibly high and inappropriate bar—designed to invalidate the conversation from the start.
by Dumuabzu February 8, 2026
Get the Proofpost mug.The act of shifting the required standard of evidence after some evidence has been provided. When the initial “proofpost” is met or approached, the arguer redefines what constitutes valid proof, invalidating the newly presented evidence without engaging with it.
Moving the Proofpost Example:
“Show me one major economist who agrees with your policy.”
You cite a Nobel laureate.
“Well, he’s old and out of touch. Show me a young, heterodox economist who isn’t part of the establishment.”
They’ve just moved the proofpost to dismiss the fulfilled request.
“Show me one major economist who agrees with your policy.”
You cite a Nobel laureate.
“Well, he’s old and out of touch. Show me a young, heterodox economist who isn’t part of the establishment.”
They’ve just moved the proofpost to dismiss the fulfilled request.
by Dumuabzu February 8, 2026
Get the Moving the Proofpost mug.Related Words
A person who enjoys high proofed spirits, such as barrell proof, cask strength, full proof varieties of the favorite liquor.
HotButteryRolls from YouTube is a proofstitute
by tonytwotoes January 8, 2021
Get the Proofstitute mug.Proposterous amounts of testosterone
by JamesOlson February 1, 2008
Get the proposterone mug.a term coined by rapper T.I. in October 2010 to express his disbelief at people's suggestions that his heroic effort was a publicity stunt
How can I plan this? I don’t even understand how someone in a clear-thinking mind could even proposturalize such poppycock.
by superstar5th October 22, 2010
Get the proposturalize mug.Billy is a proofstitute and a dispatcher.
Dispatcher: 911 what's your emergency?
Citizen: There's a serial killer in my room! Send help!
Dispatcher: Do you have proof?
Dispatcher: Hello?
Dispatcher: 911 what's your emergency?
Citizen: There's a serial killer in my room! Send help!
Dispatcher: Do you have proof?
Dispatcher: Hello?
by Moment2Blossom June 5, 2017
Get the proofstitute mug.A person who corrects the grammar of others while speaking when he overhears errors in a conversation. The aural equivalent of a proofreader.
The gent at the next table said "excitation" and our buddy prooflistener interrupted him to correct it to "excitement".
by Mohit Hira October 11, 2012
Get the Prooflistener mug.