Kudos to the Word Kudos: Meaning Of and Origin

Kudos (koo-dohz) - noun

• A kudo is "a statement of praise or approval; accolade; or compliment."

• Kudos (noun used with a singular verb) means "honor; glory; or acclaim."

The word is derived from the Greek kydos, meaning "magical glory." Etymologically, the word kudos is singular, as in "Kudos is given for her brilliant translation."

The word came into use in the early 19th century in academic circles and began to be used popularly in the 1920 in journalistic headlines.

Photo by apdkKudos is one of those words that look like a plural but is etymologically singular. Acknowledging the Greek history of the term requires Kudos is (not are) due her for her brilliant work on the score. But kudos has often been treated as a plural, especially in the popular press, as in "She received numerous kudos for her paintings." This plural use has given rise to the singular form kudo.

These innovations follow the pattern whereby the English words pea and cherry were shortened from nouns ending in an (s) sound (English pease and French cerise), that were mistakenly thought to be plural.
 
The singular kudo remains far less common than the plural use; both are often viewed as incorrect in more formal contexts. Etymology would require that the final consonant be pronounced as a voiceless (s), as we do in pathos, another word derived from Greek, rather than as a voiced (z).

Give kudos to someone who deserves it today!

Comments

[Steve]

I give kudos to you for teaching me about the word kudos.