Proofgoal

The elusive, often vaguely defined, piece of evidence that an arguer claims would settle the issue for them. It is presented as a reasonable target but is usually defined with such specificity or grandeur that it is practically unattainable, functioning more as a conversation-ender than a genuine objective.

Example: In a climate debate, someone says, “My proofgoal is a single, undeniable piece of evidence that 100% conclusively proves human activity is the sole cause of all warming, with zero margin for error or natural variation.” This “proofgoal” is a mythical, perfect piece of evidence whose impossibility is used to justify ongoing skepticism.

Proofgoal by Dumuabzu February 8, 2026

Moving the Proofgoal

Similar to moving the proofpost, but focused on redefining the ultimate, final piece of evidence needed for total concession. The “proofgoal” is recast as something even more unattainable or different in kind, ensuring the “final proof” can never be reached.

Moving the Proofgoal Example: After being shown multiple eyewitnesses and forensic reports for an event, a skeptic says, “Okay, but my ultimate proofgoal was always a continuous, unedited video from a neutral third party covering every single second. Since that doesn’t exist, I remain unconvinced.” They’ve retroactively moved the finish line to a different planet.

Moving the Proofgoal by Dumuabzu February 8, 2026

protogoal 

A goal scored in the last minutes of a game that has no effect on the outcome of the game.
A combination of the word protocol and the word goal.

Yair: Bayern scored their second goal in the game!
Stav: Yeah but its the last 5 minutes they're still going to lose the game...

Yair: yeah, its a protogoal.

protogoal by shlongsisters April 19, 2023

Proofgoalpost

The moment when the type of required evidence itself becomes the moving target. An arguer doesn't just move the goalpost for what will convince them; they shift the fundamental category of proof required (e.g., from statistics to personal testimony to historical documents and back), ensuring the debate remains forever about the rules of validation, not the substance.

Example:
Person A: “Here are crime statistics.”
Person B: “Statistics can be manipulated. I need a victim’s testimony.”
Person A: “Here’s a victim’s interview.”
Person B: “That’s just one emotional story. I need hard data.”
They aren’t engaging with evidence; they’re constantly moving the proofgoalpost.

Proofgoalpost by Dumuabzu February 8, 2026

Moving the Proofgoalpost

The grand, master technique that combines all the above. It involves continuously and fluidly redefining both the specific evidence required (the proof) and the ultimate objective or standard (the goal) in a coordinated, relentless dance to avoid ever acknowledging a point. It’s the rhetorical equivalent of a shifting maze.

Moving the Proofgoalpost Example: In a debate about historical injustice:
First, they demand documentary archives. When provided, they say the archives are incomplete (moving the proofpost).
They then say the real proofgoal is a firsthand account from a specific leader. When an account is found, they dismiss it as biased (moving the goalproof).
This integrated, evasive strategy is moving the proofgoalpost.

Moving the Proofgoalpost by Dumuabzu February 8, 2026

Proofgate 

When the folk on places like Reddit, Facebook, Twitter and Youtube spread their conspiracies with little to none evidence, believing their findings to be true based on whatever the case may be.

Person 1: Mate, MSM are lying to people and are being controled by jews and shit.
Person 2: Nah fam, Proofgate. all they've been doing is reporting shit, and you've shown me 0% proof

Proofgate by Mitch1112 December 27, 2020

proofefal 

A state of boredom where you just spam letters and something good turns up

boredom: happens
you: spams keys
gets: proofefal

proofefal by bobthenerd April 27, 2022