What Does "Kudos to You" Mean?

PDF download Download Article
How and when to use this common English phrase, and phrases like it
PDF download Download Article

“Kudos to you” is an expression used to praise or acknowledge another person. You say it after someone has done a good job on something or achieved something significant. We’ll give you a full explanation of the meaning and usage of this phrase, as well as clear up some common grammar mistakes. Then, we’ll give you related words and phrases to use to tell someone they’ve done well.

Things You Should Know

  • “Kudos to you” is a way to give someone your praise or respect, especially in regards to an achievement.
  • Use “kudos to you” to tell someone that you admire their work or effort when it comes to things like sports, business settings, or general accomplishments.
  • For example, you might say, “Kudos to you for preparing such an excellent meal,” or, “Kudos to you for running the race so quickly.”
Section 1 of 4:

“Kudos to You” Meaning

PDF download Download Article
  1. The word “kudos” (koo-doze) means “praise” or “respect.” [1] When someone says, “Kudos to you,” they’re saying, “I give you my praise,” or, “You have my respect.” More informally, it means something like, “The credit goes to you,” or, “congratulations,” as recognition for a good deed or an accomplishment.
    • “Kudos” most likely originated from the Greek word “kydos,” which means “glory” or “fame,” particularly for achievements in battle. [2]
    • Example: “Kudos to you for finishing your work on time.”
    • “Kudos to the team for their victory yesterday.”
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Using “Kudos to You”

PDF download Download Article
  1. The phrase is most commonly used to praise someone for something they’ve done well. [3] That might be winning a sports game, performing well at work, or accomplishing something significant like receiving an award. In these contexts, use “kudos to you” to offer them your respect or admiration, and encourages them to maintain the good work.
    • Example: “Kudos to you for winning first place at the race.”
    • “Kudos for baking such a delicious pie.”
    • “Kudos to you for keeping such a big secret.”
    • “They get kudos for finding a solution to our problem.”
  2. Sarcasm is when someone says one thing but intends the opposite meaning, and is often used to mock something or someone. When “kudos to you” is used sarcastically, it means that someone’s actions or achievements aren’t actually worthy of praise, or are even worthy of disdain. [4]
    • Examples: “Oh, sure, kudos to you for making our problems worse.”
    • “This is the worst pie I’ve ever tasted. Kudos to you.”
    • “Kudos to you for doing nothing all day.”
    3. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

“Kudos” or “Kudo?”

PDF download Download Article
  1. When writing or speaking the word, most native speakers always use “kudos.” Though it ends in “s,” “kudos” is most often regarded as singular, rather than plural. It’s what’s called an “uncountable noun,” meaning you can’t actually count the number of kudos—it’s an abstract concept, not a literal object. [5]
    • Other grammar experts argue that a singular “kudo” does exist as an evolution of the word “kudos” and a result of the changing English language.
Section 4 of 4:

Related Words & Phrases

PDF download Download Article
  1. “Props” is a slang word that is used to give credit or recognition for something that someone has done well, much like kudos. [6] It’s very informal, and is a shortening of the phrase “proper respects.” [7]
    • Example: “Props for running those errands on your vacation.”
    • “You get props for a job well done.”
  2. This expression is also used to offer praise or recognition for someone’s efforts. [8] It originated from the physical action of literally patting someone on the back to acknowledge their hard work.
    • Example: “You get a pat on the back for that excellent presentation.”
    • “Pat yourself on the back for practicing so hard.”
  3. To “sing praises” is an idiom that means to passionately or enthusiastically offer someone praise. [9] The idiom has been used since the 1500s, and was likely derived from the literal act of singing about someone’s good qualities in the Middle Ages. [10]
    • Example: “She sings his praises every time we see him.”
    • “The boss sang her praises for completing the project.”
  4. This expression is commonly used between opponents in a game or other event, and is used as a way of acknowledging an opponent’s victory. It can also be used more informally to acknowledge a clever, cunning, or winning action in everyday life, like when someone tells a good joke. [11]
    • Example: “I fought hard, but you won out in the end. Well played.”
    • “That was a clever joke, well played.”
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      What Does “Pookie” Mean? Plus, How to Use It
      200+ Best Expressions to Say “I Love You More than…”
      What's a Twunk? Definition, When to Use & More
      What Does “Awww” Mean? Definition, Responses & More
      What Does W/ Mean over Text or Online?
      Funny Ways to Say Hello: 45 Cool and Creative Options
      Signs That Someone Has "Golden Retriever Energy"
      Are Evening and Night the Same Thing? Not Exactly.
      What Does "Hear Me Out" Mean? Plus, How to Use It
      What Does SS Mean? Snapchat, Texting, and More
      What Does "BBL" Mean? Definition & Uses on Social Media and More
      What Does WYD Mean? Snapchat, Texting, and More
      What Does the Slang Term "Cutie Patootie" Mean?
      What Does “I Love You 3000” Mean and What Do You Say Back?
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/kudos
      2. ↑ https://www.etymonline.com/word/kudos
      3. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/kudos
      4. ↑ https://grammarhow.com/kudos-to-you-meaning/
      5. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/kudos
      6. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/props
      7. ↑ https://www.etymonline.com/word/props
      8. ↑ https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/kudos
      9. ↑ https://dictionaryblog.cambridge.org/2020/01/01/give-yourself-a-pat-on-the-back-the-language-of-praising/
      1. ↑ https://idiomorigins.org/origin/sing-someones-praises
      2. ↑ https://www.thesaurus.com/e/ways-to-say/better-ways-to-say-good-job/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 47,093 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement