King’s to you.

An expression to concede victory to or acknowledge the accomplishments of an opponent or ally. As a reference to a king’s surrender in chess its origin is unknown but is most notable as an “ode des jours” in the rivalry between Edmond Dantes and Fernand Mondego in the film adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo. It was initially used as a gesture of respect between friends and concluded as a gesture of revenge between enemies- often accompanied by the exchange of a black king’s chess piece.

In a modern context, it can be used more broadly in casual forms of rivalry like discourse, sports and courtship when either person outperforms the other in an undeniable or extravagant way.

Dude: “What happened at work? Did they fire you?”

Bro: “No… They promoted me. I’m the new manager…”

Dude: “No way... You lucky bastard. King’s to you. 🫴♟️”