kudos

¹

[ koo-dohz, -dohs, -dos, kyoo- ]

noun

, (used with a singular verb)

1. honor; glory; acclaim:

   He received kudos from everyone on his performance.

kudos

²

[ koo-dohz, kyoo- ]

noun

1. plural of kudo.

kudos

/ ˈkjuːdɒs /

noun

1. functioning as singular acclaim, glory, or prestige

   the kudos of playing Carnegie Hall

Usage Note

In the 19th century, kudos1 entered English as a singular noun, a transliteration of a Greek singular noun kŷdos meaning “praise or renown.” It was at first used largely in academic circles, but it gained wider currency in the 1920s in journalistic use, particularly in headlines: Playwright receives kudos. Kudos given to track record breakers. Kudos is often used, as in these examples, in contexts that do not clearly indicate whether it is singular or plural; and because it ends in -s, the marker of regular plurals in English, kudos has come to be widely regarded and used as a plural noun meaning “accolades” rather than as a singular mass noun meaning “honor or glory.” The singular form kudo has been produced from kudos by back formation, the same process that gave us the singular pea from pease, originally both singular and plural, sherry from Xeres (an earlier spelling of the Spanish city Jerez), and cherry from the French singular noun cherise. This singular form has developed the meanings “honor” and “statement of praise, accolade.” Both the singular form kudo and kudos as a plural are today most common in journalistic writing. Some usage guides warn against using them.

Word History and Origins

Origin of kudos¹

First recorded in 1825–35; irregular transliteration of Greek kŷdos

Word History and Origins

Origin of kudos¹

C18: from Greek

Example Sentences

Without the kudos of the King, any plans would be easier for opposition politicians to reject – but Labour has a once-in-a-generation majority to vote through big reforms.

From BBC

The delay of the last ceremony put the Emmys in the same month as the Golden Globe Awards and Critics Choice Awards, which may have made it one kudos fest too many for viewers.

From Los Angeles Times

The 29-year-old’s response in real time triggered an avalanche of kudos on social media.

From Los Angeles Times

“As a politician, I have to give her kudos. She seems to be in the right place at the right time, and she works very hard toward advancing her political career,” Cooley said.

From Los Angeles Times

“Major kudos to the Bass administration for not taking all the water that they’re entitled to,” Gold said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• applause