What Does "Kudos to You" Mean?

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How and when to use this common English phrase, and phrases like it

Co-authored by Celena Hathaway and Luke Smith, MFA

Last Updated: September 11, 2024 Fact Checked

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“Kudos to You” Meaning

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Using “Kudos to You”

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“Kudos” or “Kudo?”

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Related Words & Phrases

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“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

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“Kudos to you” is another way to express praise for an achievement. The word “kudos” (koo-doze) means “praise” or “respect.”^{[1]
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Research source} 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]
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- Example: “Kudos to you for finishing your work on time.”
- “Kudos to the team for their victory yesterday.”

Section 2 of 4:

Using “Kudos to You”

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Use “kudos to you” to compliment someone’s good work. The phrase is most commonly used to praise someone for something they’ve done well.^{[3]
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Research source} 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.”
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Use “kudos to you” sarcastically to express derision. 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]
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- 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.”

Section 3 of 4:

“Kudos” or “Kudo?”

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The word most commonly appears as “kudos.” 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]
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- 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

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Props “Props” is a slang word that is used to give credit or recognition for something that someone has done well, much like kudos.^{[6]
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Research source} It’s very informal, and is a shortening of the phrase “proper respects.”^{[7]
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- Example: “Props for running those errands on your vacation.”
- “You get props for a job well done.”
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Pat on the back This expression is also used to offer praise or recognition for someone’s efforts.^{[8]
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Research source} 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.”
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Sing someone’s praises To “sing praises” is an idiom that means to passionately or enthusiastically offer someone praise.^{[9]
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Research source} 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]
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- Example: “She sings his praises every time we see him.”
- “The boss sang her praises for completing the project.”
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Well played 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]
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- Example: “I fought hard, but you won out in the end. Well played.”
- “That was a clever joke, well played.”