Ethermac Exchange-What does 'G.O.A.T.' mean? Often behind a hashtag, it's a true compliment.

Communication is Ethermac Exchangeconstantly evolving and adapting thanks to the digital platforms we use every day. Sometimes, scrolling through your favorite social media app feels like a crossword puzzle trying to understand a slang's context clues based on the original post.

Slang can be hard to understand, "iykyk." Each seemingly jumbled group of letters has its own definition and usage.

So before you worry about the next DM you get or meme on Instagram, here is what "G.O.A.T." stands for and how to use it in your conversations.

What does 'G.O.A.T.' mean?

"G.O.A.T." is an acronym used to call someone or something the "greatest of all time," according to Dictionary.com. It is pronounced "goat" like the animal.

The slang usually isn't meant to describe just anyone. It is used for those who are exceptional within their field or industry, including athletes, musicians or actors. Its usage praises someone for their remarkable talents or achievements

Its origins come from boxer Muhammad Ali, who was referred to as "The Greatest." His title eventually became "The Greatest of All Time," or "G.O.A.T." The term was later used for an album by rapper LL Cool J: "G.O.A.T. featuring James T. Smith: The Greatest of All Time."

To say something is "goated" is to call it outstanding or excellent. On social media, the goat emoji is also used to denote the slang term.

How to use 'G.O.A.T'

Here's how to use "G.O.A.T." in conversation:

• "Michael Jordan is the G.O.A.T."
• "Who do you think is the G.O.A.T. in soccer?"
• "Pizza rolls are goated."

Just Curious for more? We've got you covered

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "Where do gnats come from?" to "Do AirPods work with Android?" to "How to make your Facebook private?" − we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.

Want to learn? Catch up on more text slang explainers: 

• What does 'tfw' mean?What to know if you're unsure how to use the term when texting
• What does 'rn' mean? Here are two definitions you need to know when texting friends
• What does 'ily' mean? Show your loved ones you care with this text abbreviation
• What does 'OOO' mean? Here's what it means and how to use it when you're away from work
• What does 'EOD' mean? Here's how to use the term to notify deadlines to your coworkers
• Looking for slang explainers? Just 'lmk': Here's what the term means
• What does 'dw' mean? Here's the definition of the text slang and how to use it
• Ending a convo over text? Here's what 'TTYL' means and how to use it
• What does 'gts' mean? Definition of text term and how to use it
• What does 'no cap' mean? Here's the definition of the slang term and how to use it
• What does 'WYLL' mean? Here's what the text slang stands for and how to use it
• What does 'rizz' mean? Here's the definition of social media slang term and how to use it
• What does 'WTV' mean? The definition of the texting abbreviation, plus how to use it
• What does 'MBN' mean? Here's what it means and how to use for texts, social media
• What does 'IMO' mean? Make sure you're using this internet, texting acronym correctly
• What does 'tbh' mean? Here's what the acronym means and how to use it in conversation
• What does 'wyd' mean? What it means and how to use the acronym correctly in conversation
• What does 'AFK' mean? And examples of how to use it when texting friends
• What does 'OTP' mean? Breaking down the fandom term, slang
• What does 'fwiw' mean? The acronym's definition and how to use it in your conversations
• What does 'smh' mean? Defining the texting acronym and how to use it in your conversations
• What does 'ICYMI' mean? Here's what it means and examples of it used in conversation
• What does 'ngl' mean? Make sure you're using this internet, texting acronym correctly
• What does 'hmu' mean? Get to know Internet, texting acronym
• What does 'tbh' mean? Here's what the acronym means and how to use it in conversation
• What does 'POV' mean? Breaking down the definition of the abbreviation
• What does 'idk' mean? What the texting slang means and how to use in conversation
• What does 'mid' mean? Here's what the internet slang term means and how to use it
• What does 'OG' mean? Here is what the slang means and how to use it correctly