Learn English – The difference between “Kudos” and “Props”

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I've looked through the definitions of kudos and props:

According to Cambridge Dictionary, the definition of kudos is the public admiration that a person receives as a result of a particular achievement or position in society, whilst props means respect for someone.

So, "kudos" connotes approval and admiration, and "props" implies respect.

However, I'm wondering if there are any cases in which one of them are fine to employ while the other would be inappropriate or wrong to use in the same sentence.

Best Answer

The main difference is in how formal it comes across.

"Kudos" is considered a 'real' word while "props" is considered slang but neither are very formal.https://www.etymonline.com/word/kudos

"Kudos", usually used as an interjection like 'congratulations', comes from UK university slang, which means by now it is fairly formal. For example:

Kudos! Your excellent presentation to the CEO will really have you climbing the org chart!

"Props", short for 'proper respects', comes from US hip hop slang, so it is more easily recognized there than in the UK.

Gotta give props to that kid for that stunt. When does he get out of the hospital?

As someone on reddit said:

"Props is for friends, kudos is for work."

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