Dictionary
kudo
noun ku·do \ˈkü-(ˌ)dō, ˈkyü-\
plural kudos \-(ˌ)dōz\
Definition of KUDO
2
: compliment, praise <rarely hear that kind of kudo to men anymore — Ellen Goodman>
Usage Discussion of KUDO
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.
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Origin of KUDO
back-formation from kudos (taken as a plural)
First Known Use: 1926
Related to KUDO
- Synonyms
- accolade, blue ribbon, decoration, distinction, honor, award, plume, premium, prize
Learn More About KUDO
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Seen & Heard
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