Kudosleikkeillä

Kudosleikkeillä, often translated as "praise games" or "compliment games," refers to a playful interaction where individuals engage in a reciprocal exchange of compliments or positive affirmations. This social practice is not necessarily about genuine admiration but rather a ritualistic or lighthearted way to foster social bonding, create a positive atmosphere, or fill conversational silences. The emphasis is on the performance of giving and receiving praise, sometimes in an exaggerated or humorous manner, rather than the depth of the sentiments expressed.

These interactions can occur in various social settings, from casual gatherings among friends to more formal team-building exercises. The "game" aspect suggests a set of unspoken rules, where participants are expected to offer praise and then reciprocate when it is offered to them. The complexity can range from simple "you look nice today" exchanges to more elaborate, perhaps rhyming or thematic, sequences of compliments. The underlying intention is often to boost morale, express camaraderie, or simply to inject a sense of fun into social dynamics. While sometimes seen as superficial, kudosleikkeillä can serve a valuable social function in strengthening group cohesion and promoting positive interpersonal relationships through shared, albeit performative, positive reinforcement.