Kudus

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A form of praise or acclaim often given to someone for their achievements or worthwhile efforts
2. An expression of admiration or respect that acknowledges someone's contributions or success
3. Recognition or honor bestowed upon individuals for exceptional work or accomplishments

Etymology: "Kudus" is the plural of "kudu," a large spiral-horned African antelope, so it doesn't fit the praise sense you've given. The praise meaning belongs to "kudos," which is singular and rarely pluralized. "Kudos" comes from Greek "kydos," meaning glory or renown, a word that appears in Homeric poetry in the sense of honour won in battle. English borrowed it in the 1840s as Oxford and Cambridge student slang, where it first meant credit earned for an achievement. The Greek root is loosely tied to "kluein," "to hear," the idea being that glory is what reaches other people's ears.

Synonyms: kudu