Top 39 Slang For Merit – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to recognizing achievement and giving credit where it’s due, having the right slang can make all the difference. Join us as we uncover the top slang terms used to acknowledge merit in various social circles and industries. Whether you’re looking to spice up your vocabulary or simply stay in the know, this list is sure to have you nodding in agreement and maybe even picking up a new phrase or two. Let’s dive in and celebrate success in style!

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1. Props

This term is used to give someone credit or recognition for their achievements or actions. It is often used to show appreciation or admiration.

For example, “I have to give props to my teammate for scoring the winning goal.”
A person might say, “Props to you for acing that difficult exam.”
In a discussion about a successful business venture, someone might comment, “They deserve props for their innovative approach.”

2. Kudos

This word is used to give praise or congratulations to someone for their accomplishments or efforts. It is a way to show appreciation or admiration.

For instance, “Kudos to the team for completing the project ahead of schedule.”
A person might say, “I want to give kudos to my colleague for their hard work.”
In a discussion about a successful charity event, someone might comment, “Kudos to the organizers for raising so much money.”

3. Cred

This term refers to a person’s credibility or reputation. It is often used to indicate trustworthiness or expertise in a particular field.

For example, “She has street cred in the fashion industry.”
A person might say, “His academic credentials give him a lot of cred.”
In a discussion about a controversial topic, someone might comment, “I don’t think he has any cred to back up his claims.”

4. Street cred

This phrase refers to the level of respect or reputation a person has within a specific community or group. It is often associated with urban culture or subcultures.

For instance, “He has a lot of street cred among graffiti artists.”
A person might say, “She earned street cred by participating in underground rap battles.”
In a discussion about skateboarding, someone might comment, “He has street cred because he’s been skating for years.”

5. Brownie points

This term is used to describe imaginary points or favor that one can earn for doing something good or helpful. It is often used humorously or sarcastically.

For example, “You’ll earn brownie points with your boss if you finish the project early.”
A person might say, “I’m hoping to score some brownie points with my in-laws by cooking them a fancy dinner.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might comment, “Remember, doing the dishes can earn you brownie points.”

6. Gold star

This slang term refers to receiving recognition or praise for a job well done. It is often used to acknowledge someone’s exceptional performance or effort.

For example, a teacher might say to a student, “You did a great job on your project. Here’s a gold star for your hard work.”
In a workplace setting, a manager might give an employee a gold star for exceeding their sales target.
A parent might use this term to encourage their child, saying, “If you finish your chores, you’ll earn a gold star on your chart.”

7. Badge

A badge is a visual representation of an achievement or accomplishment. It can be a physical item or a digital icon that signifies a certain level of skill or expertise.

For instance, in the gaming community, players might earn badges for completing specific challenges or reaching certain milestones.
In a professional setting, employees might receive badges for completing training programs or mastering new skills.
A person might proudly display their badge on their social media profile to showcase their accomplishments.

8. Thumbs up

This slang term is used to express approval, agreement, or positive feedback. It is often represented by the gesture of raising the thumb upward to signify “good job” or “well done”.

For example, someone might comment on a social media post with a thumbs up emoji to show their support or agreement.
In a conversation, a person might give a thumbs up to indicate that they understand or agree with what the other person is saying.
A teacher might give a student a thumbs up as a non-verbal way of acknowledging their correct answer.

9. Pat on the back

This slang term refers to giving someone recognition or encouragement for their achievements or efforts. It can be a physical gesture of patting someone on the back or a metaphorical expression of support.

For instance, a coach might give their player a pat on the back after a good play to show their approval and encouragement.
In a work setting, a colleague might give another colleague a pat on the back for completing a challenging project.
A parent might give their child a pat on the back for doing well on a test.

10. Attaboy/Attagirl

These slang terms are used to express praise or encouragement for someone’s accomplishments or efforts. “Attaboy” is typically used for males, while “Attagirl” is used for females.

For example, a coach might say to their player, “Attaboy! That was a great shot.”
In a workplace setting, a colleague might say to another colleague, “Attagirl! You did an amazing job on that presentation.”
A parent might use these terms to encourage their child, saying, “Attaboy! Keep up the good work in school.”

11. High fives

This slang term is used to express congratulations or praise for a job well done. It is often accompanied by a physical gesture of slapping palms together in a high-five.

For example, if someone achieves a personal goal, you might say, “High fives to you for reaching your target!”
In a team setting, a coach might say, “Let’s give each other high fives for a great game.”
A friend might say, “High fives for acing that exam!”

12. Shoutout

A shoutout is a public acknowledgement or recognition given to someone or something. It is often used to express appreciation or highlight someone’s achievements.

For instance, you might give a shoutout to a friend who helped you with a project, saying, “Shoutout to Sarah for her amazing support!”
On social media, people often give shoutouts to their favorite brands or influencers, saying, “I want to give a shoutout to this amazing product.”
A teacher might give a shoutout to a student who made significant progress, saying, “I want to give a special shoutout to John for his hard work and dedication.”

13. Salute

Salute is a term used to show respect or admiration for someone’s achievements or actions. It is often used as a gesture or verbal expression.

For example, if someone accomplishes a difficult task, you might say, “Salute to you for overcoming such a challenge!”
In the military, soldiers salute their superiors as a sign of respect and obedience.
A fan might say, “I salute your dedication to your craft.”

14. Applause

Applause is the act of clapping one’s hands together to show approval or appreciation for someone’s achievements or performance.

For instance, at the end of a concert, the audience gives a round of applause to show their appreciation for the musician’s talent.
In a theater, the audience gives applause to acknowledge the actors’ performances.
A speaker might receive applause after delivering an inspiring speech.

15. Hooray

Hooray is an exclamation used to express excitement, joy, or celebration. It is often used to cheer for someone’s success or to express happiness.

For example, if your friend tells you they got accepted into their dream college, you might exclaim, “Hooray! That’s amazing news!”
At a birthday party, everyone might shout, “Hooray!” when the cake is brought out.
A team might shout, “Hooray!” after winning a game.

16. Well done

This phrase is used to express praise or congratulations for a job well done. It is commonly used to acknowledge someone’s achievements or success.

For example, after completing a difficult task, someone might say, “Well done, you really nailed it!”
In a sports context, a coach might say to their team, “Well done on your victory, everyone gave their best.”
A teacher might write on a student’s paper, “Well done, your hard work is paying off.”

17. Bravo

This term is used to show approval or admiration for something well done. It is often used to applaud a performance or accomplishment.

For instance, after a powerful musical performance, the audience might shout, “Bravo!”
In a theater, a director might say to an actor, “Bravo, that was a brilliant performance.”
A chef might receive praise for a delicious dish and hear, “Bravo, this meal is amazing!”

18. Cheers

In the context of merit, “Cheers” is used to express gratitude or appreciation for something well done. It can also be used as a way to say goodbye.

For example, when someone compliments your work, you might respond with “Cheers, I worked hard on it.”
At the end of a gathering, someone might say, “Cheers, thanks for coming!”
In a professional setting, colleagues might use “Cheers” to acknowledge a job well done.

19. Huzzah

This exclamation is used to express joy, triumph, or congratulations for a successful accomplishment.

For instance, when someone wins a game, the crowd might cheer, “Huzzah!”
In a celebratory context, someone might say, “Huzzah, we did it!”
A group of friends might raise their glasses and shout, “Huzzah, let’s toast to our success!”

20. Rockstar

This term is used to describe someone who is exceptionally skilled or successful in their field. It is often used to acknowledge someone’s outstanding abilities or achievements.

For example, a manager might say to an employee, “You’re a rockstar, keep up the great work!”
In the music industry, a talented musician might be referred to as a “rockstar.”
A teacher might say to a student who excels academically, “You’re a rockstar student, keep it up!”

21. MVP

This term is often used in sports to refer to the player who has made the most significant impact or contribution to a team. It can also be used more generally to describe someone who is highly skilled or accomplished in their field.

For example, in basketball, the MVP is usually the player who has had the most impressive performance throughout the season.
In a work setting, someone might say, “She’s the MVP of our team. She always goes above and beyond.”
A fan might comment, “LeBron James is definitely the MVP of this game.”

22. Ace

This term is used to describe someone who is exceptionally skilled or talented in a particular area. It can also refer to someone who is highly successful or achieves outstanding results.

For instance, in card games, an ace is the highest-ranking card, so calling someone an “ace” implies they are the best.
In a conversation about a skilled musician, someone might say, “He’s an ace on the guitar.”
A boss might praise an employee by saying, “You’re an ace at problem-solving. Keep up the great work!”

23. Top-notch

This term is used to describe something of the highest quality or standard. It implies that the thing being described is exceptional or outstanding.

For example, a restaurant might be described as top-notch if it consistently serves delicious food and provides excellent service.
In a discussion about a highly-rated movie, someone might say, “The acting in that film was top-notch.”
A teacher might give feedback to a student by saying, “Your presentation was top-notch. You really impressed the class.”

24. Badge of honor

This term refers to something that is considered a source of pride or honor. It is often used to describe an accomplishment or recognition that someone is proud to have earned.

For instance, a military veteran might view their service as a badge of honor.
In a conversation about overcoming adversity, someone might say, “Surviving that experience was a badge of honor for me.”
A parent might express pride in their child’s accomplishments by saying, “Her academic achievements are a badge of honor for our family.”

25. High five

This term refers to a gesture of celebration or congratulations. It involves slapping palms together with another person as a way to show excitement or approval.

For example, after winning a game, teammates might give each other high fives to celebrate their victory.
In a conversation about a successful project, someone might say, “Let’s give each other a high five for a job well done!”
A friend might offer a high five to someone who just received good news, saying, “Congratulations! Give me a high five!”

26. Attaboy

An expression used to give praise or approval to someone for a job well done.

For example, “Attaboy! You did a great job on that project.”
A coach might say, “Keep up the good work, attaboy!”
A teacher might use it to encourage a student, “You’re doing great, attaboy!”

27. A plus

Used to describe something that is excellent or outstanding.

For instance, “That presentation was A plus.”
A student might say, “I got an A plus on my test!”
A boss might give feedback, “Your work on this project was definitely A plus.”

28. Blue ribbon

Refers to something that is considered the best or of top quality.

For example, “She won the blue ribbon in the baking competition.”
A judge might say, “This pie deserves the blue ribbon.”
A person might describe a product as “blue ribbon quality.”

29. A-game

Refers to giving maximum effort or performing at one’s highest level.

For instance, “He brought his A-game to the basketball tournament.”
A coach might say, “We need everyone to be on their A-game for this match.”
A person might say, “I always bring my A-game to job interviews.”

30. All-star

Used to describe someone who is exceptionally skilled or talented in a particular field.

For example, “She’s an all-star athlete.”
A coach might say, “We have an all-star lineup for this game.”
A person might say, “He’s an all-star in the music industry.”

31. Champion

A champion is someone who has achieved success or victory in a particular field or competition. It can also refer to someone who consistently performs at a high level.

For example, “She’s the reigning champion of the tennis tournament.”
In a team sport, you might hear, “He’s a key player and a true champion.”
A motivational speaker might say, “Believe in yourself and strive to be a champion in everything you do.”

32. Superstar

A superstar is someone who is extremely talented or successful in their field, often achieving a level of fame and recognition. It can also refer to someone who is highly regarded or admired.

For instance, “He’s a superstar athlete, known for his incredible skills.”
In the entertainment industry, you might hear, “She’s a rising superstar with a bright future.”
A fan might exclaim, “I can’t wait to see my favorite superstar perform live!”

33. Top dog

The term “top dog” refers to the person or entity that holds the highest position or status in a particular context. It can also refer to someone who is the best or most dominant in a specific field or competition.

For example, “He’s the top dog in the company, making all the important decisions.”
In a sports competition, you might hear, “The defending champion is the top dog of the tournament.”
A person discussing leadership might say, “To be a successful leader, you need to strive to be the top dog.”

34. Cream of the crop

The phrase “cream of the crop” refers to the highest quality or most exceptional individuals or things within a group or category. It implies that these individuals or things are superior to all others.

For instance, “The top graduates from the prestigious university are considered the cream of the crop.”
In a talent competition, you might hear, “The judges are looking for the cream of the crop.”
A food critic might say, “This restaurant uses only the finest ingredients, serving the cream of the crop.”

35. Clout

Clout is a slang term that refers to the influence, power, or credibility that someone has within a particular community or industry. It can also refer to someone who has a significant social media following or online presence.

For example, “She has a lot of clout in the fashion industry, so her opinion carries weight.”
In a discussion about social media, you might hear, “Having a large following can give you clout.”
A person might say, “If you want to succeed in this industry, you need to build your clout.”

36. Aces high

This phrase is used to describe something or someone that is of the highest quality or level of excellence.

For example, “That presentation was aces high! You really impressed the boss.”
A person might say, “Her cooking skills are aces high. Everything she makes is delicious.”
In a sports context, someone might say, “He’s aces high on the basketball court. He’s a natural talent.”

37. Top-tier

This term refers to something or someone that is at the very top or best of its kind.

For instance, “That restaurant is top-tier. The food and service are exceptional.”
A person might say, “She’s a top-tier athlete. She consistently performs at the highest level.”
In a discussion about universities, someone might say, “Harvard is definitely top-tier. It’s one of the most prestigious schools in the world.”

38. Gold standard

This phrase is used to describe something or someone that is considered the best or highest standard in a particular field or category.

For example, “Her work ethic is the gold standard. She always goes above and beyond.”
A person might say, “That company sets the gold standard for customer service. They always exceed expectations.”
In a discussion about leadership, someone might say, “He’s the gold standard of CEOs. He’s incredibly successful and respected.”

39. A cut above

This phrase is used to describe something or someone that is of a higher quality or level of excellence compared to others.

For instance, “Her fashion sense is a cut above. She always looks stylish and put-together.”
A person might say, “That restaurant is a cut above the rest. The food is consistently amazing.”
In a discussion about employees, someone might say, “She’s definitely a cut above. She always goes the extra mile and produces exceptional work.”