GOAT

n.capable, joyfulplayful

What it means

A person acclaimed as the greatest of all time in a field or activity.

Reach for it when using emphatic fan or sports praise where the acronym will be understood

Supporters still call the record-breaking goalkeeper the GOAT.

everyday
champion
a person has actually won a title or cause
not when Champion requires a victory or advocacy role, not simply long-term excellence.
everyday
greatest
direct superlative praise is justified and the comparison set is clear
not when Greatest still makes an absolute claim that evidence may not settle.
warm
icon
cultural recognition and symbolic importance are central
not when An icon can be famous without being the strongest performer.
warm
legend
lasting reputation matters more than a strict ranking
not when Legend allows several admired figures and does not mean number one.
professional
all-time great
measured praise should place someone among the best
not when All-time great avoids claiming sole supremacy and is therefore weaker than GOAT.
professional
record-holder
a documented record is the exact basis for praise
not when One record does not establish overall greatest-of-all-time status.
formal
master
exceptional command of a craft is the point
not when Master does not compare eras and can carry gendered or hierarchical baggage.

GOAT status
GOAT status remains contested when eras used different rules.
GOAT debate
The GOAT debate brought three generations of supporters together.
considered the GOAT
She is considered the GOAT because her influence extends beyond medals.

GOAT is an informal, often disputed superlative. State the comparison criteria in factual or editorial writing.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.