Proofpost

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.

Proofpost by Dumuabzu February 8, 2026

Moving the Proofpost

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.

Moving the Proofpost by Dumuabzu February 8, 2026

Proofstitute 

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

Proofstitute by tonytwotoes January 8, 2021

proposterone 

Proposterous amounts of testosterone

If you are pimply, hairy, and/or overly greasy you may have proposterone

proposterone by JamesOlson February 1, 2008

proposturalize 

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.

proposturalize by superstar5th October 22, 2010

proofstitute 

Someone who always needs proof.

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?

proofstitute by Moment2Blossom June 5, 2017

Prooflistener 

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".

Prooflistener by Mohit Hira October 11, 2012