kudo

noun

ku·​do ˈkü-(ˌ)dō 

ˈkyü-

plural kudos ˈkü-(ˌ)dōz 

ˈkyü-

1

: award, honor

a score of honorary degrees and … other kudos

—Time

2

: compliment, praise

rarely hear that kind of kudo to men anymore

—Ellen Goodman

Is kudo a word?: Usage Guide

Some commentators hold that since kudos is a singular word it cannot be used as a plural and that the word kudo is impossible. But kudo does exist; it is simply one of the most recent words created by back-formation from another word misunderstood as a plural. Kudos was introduced into English in the 19th century; it was used in contexts where a reader unfamiliar with Greek could not be sure whether it was singular or plural. By the 1920s it began to appear as a plural, and about 25 years later kudo began to appear. It may have begun as a misunderstanding, but then so did cherry and pea.

Synonyms

• accolade
• award
• blue ribbon
• decoration
• distinction
• honor
• plume
• premium
• prize

Examples of kudo in a Sentence

an honorary degree from her alma mater that is simply the latest kudo for an outstanding career in journalism

a kudo is in order for the way the young people acquitted themselves at their first formal dance

Recent Examples on the Web

Officials also pointed to the media attention that Charley has attracted for the team, giving kudos to coverage from ABC7 New York and ESPN's SportsCenter. —Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024

That part of the tale is set in motion with a sudden squall – chillingly rendered by thunder cracks (kudos to John Shivers’ sound design) and flashes of lightning (ditto to lighting designer Kevin Adams). —Greg Evans, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024

And the councilmembers deserve kudos for not applying the increase to themselves, unlike, say, the self-serving and deceptive move in 2022 by the Santa Clara Valley Water District board to convince voters to approve a similar measure. —East Bay Times Editorial, The Mercury News, 3 Nov. 2024

Joao Pedro Mariano received the actor kudo for this performance in the pic. —Marcelo Cajueiro, Variety, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from kudos (taken as a plural)

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1