Green’s Dictionary of Slang

an excl. of approval, i.e. that’s the right way to go.

1966		J. Mills Panic in Needle Park (1971) 169: Helen threw her arms around Hotchner and gave him a hug. That drew a cheer and cries of ‘Way to go, Hotch!’ from other narcos in the hall.
1977		(con. 1969) M. Herr Dispatches 74: Way to go, motherfucker.
1986		S. King It (1987) 92: Way to go, Ricky Lee.
1987		G.A. Fine With the Boys 169: Way to be, int. Supportive comment.
1999		J. Poller Reach 111: ‘Way to go!’ shouts someone. ‘Fuck, yeah,’ cries another.
2000		Guardian Weekend 15 Jan. 3: You’re a worthless, pussy-whipped wuss. Way to go, lads!