English language is dynamic hence each year some words are either added or removed from the dictionary, especially the Webster version. Lake Superior State has at the beginning of this year released an annual list of "banned words". They are words and phrases that are useless, misused, or overused.

2022 list includes GOAT (greatest of all time), it is what it is, moving forward, irregardless, gaslighting and absolutely among others.

It is on record that the acronym can be attributed to the actual G.O.A.T. himself, boxer Muhammad Ali who in his time was popularly nicknamed “The Greatest,” which his wife then turned into G.O.A.T. for publicity in the 1990s.

In 2000, the term had become popular enough in the rap music scene when Award winning US rapper LL Cool J released his 8th studio album bearing the title, G.O.A.T. (The Greatest Of All Time).

Both the acronym and album title also became a bone on contention in the beef with fellow rapper, Canibus. Since then, Hip Hop community had grabbed the acronym and it spread all over like an epidemic into other disciplines such as football.

Years down the line, the acronym for Greatest Of All Time, G.O.A.T was among the most overused, misused and useless words during the 2022 Qatar Football World Cup as fans argued who is the best between Ronaldo and Messi. Interestingly, this debate was again put to sleep following the death of Pele who won three World Cups with Brazil among other achievements.

The acronym has also been overused and abused in debates involving music greats such as Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Tupac and Notorious BIG. With the coming in of social media, we have seen camps belonging to local acts such as Namadingo, Onesimus, Lulu, Gwamba, Phyzix, Piksy arguing about who is the greatest of all time. On the other hand, Eli Njuchi and Driemo camps are also always at loggerheads as to who is the hottest at the moment.

One thing die hard fans always forget is the difference between "All Time", "This Generation" and "At The Moment". "All Time" means the beginning of records keeping.

If you ask this reporter, Musicians namely Lucius Banda, Paul Banda, Wambali Mkandawire, Ethel Kamwendo truly belong to the GOAT category while Namadingo, Onesimus, Lulu, Gwamba, Phyzix, Piksy are the greatest of this generation.

However, this debate is subjective and the answer depends on who you ask.