kudo
B2Informal, journalistic; sometimes considered nonstandard in formal writing.
Definition
Meaning
An expression of praise or recognition; an honor or award.
Though historically considered an error (from the singular of 'kudos'), it is now widely used to mean a single instance of praise or an individual honor, particularly in informal and journalistic contexts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
'Kudo' originated as a back-formation from the Greek-derived singular noun 'kudos' (praise, prestige). While purists reject it, it has gained considerable usage to denote a single item of praise, especially in contexts like 'earned a kudo from the manager.' It often appears in plural form ('kudos' for the mass noun, 'kudos' or 'kudoes' for the count noun).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties show the same pattern of use and debate. The singular 'kudo' is perhaps slightly more accepted in American informal writing (e.g., sports journalism, business reports). British usage may be slightly more resistant, but the term appears in both.
Connotations
In both varieties, using 'kudo' as a singular count noun can signal an informal, modern, or journalistic style. It may be perceived as an error by careful readers who know the Greek origin.
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency in informal contexts; very rare in formal academic prose where 'praise', 'accolade', or 'commendation' would be preferred.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] earned/received/deserved a kudo [from X] [for Y].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To give someone their kudos (less common).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in internal communications or reviews: 'She received a kudo for her work on the project.'
Academic
Generally avoided in formal writing; 'praise' or 'accolade' is preferred.
Everyday
Informal recognition among peers: 'I'll give you a kudo for that idea.'
Technical
Rarely used in technical contexts.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher gave him a kudo for his excellent drawing.
- Winning the 'Employee of the Month' award was a significant kudo early in her career.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Kudo' sounds like 'cue-dough' – imagine being cued to receive the 'dough' (reward/praise) for good work.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRAISE IS A COMMODITY (to earn, receive, give, hand out).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation. The Russian 'похвала' aligns more with the mass noun 'praise'. For a single instance, use 'комплимент' or 'одобрение', but note the cultural difference in frequency of explicit praise.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'a kudos' (treating the mass noun as countable) is more consistently considered an error than using 'a kudo'. Confusing 'kudo' (count) with 'kudos' (mass).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most standard usage?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but its status is debated. It originated as an error (a back-formation from 'kudos') but is now widely used, especially in informal and journalistic English, to mean a single instance of praise.
The plural is most commonly 'kudos' (following the original form) or 'kudoes'. For example, 'She received several kudos/kudoes from her colleagues.'
It is generally best to avoid 'kudo' in formal academic or professional writing. Use 'accolade', 'honor', 'commendation', or 'word of praise' instead.
'Kudos' is a mass noun meaning praise or prestige (e.g., 'Kudos to the team!'). 'Kudo' is a count noun meaning a single expression of praise or an award (e.g., 'He earned a kudo'). Many people still use 'kudos' for both functions.