How Local Slang Can Help You Fit in Faster

Moving abroad is an exciting new chapter, but it’s one that brings its fair share of challenges. For Filipinos planning to move to the Czech Republic—or any foreign country—adapting to a new culture and way of life can sometimes feel overwhelming. One powerful yet often overlooked tool in your cultural arsenal? Learning the local slang.

Mastering a language is about more than just grammar and vocabulary; it’s about blending in, understanding nuances, and forming genuine connections. Incorporating local slang into your conversations can help you integrate faster, feel more confident, and even open up opportunities for jobs, friendships, and overall smoother cultural adjustment.

Here’s a deep-dive into how local slang can make all the difference, why it’s crucial when moving abroad, and how Speak and Move can help you master it all.

Why Local Slang Matters

Learning local slang is about bridging the gap between understanding the language and truly connecting with its speakers. But why is it so important?

1. Connect Like a Local

Knowing slang instantly makes you more approachable. When you use terms native speakers commonly use, you show that you’re not just a guest—you’re genuinely invested in the culture. This can foster respect and inclusion. For instance, in the Czech Republic, locals often use the phrase, “Chillovat” (a slang version of “to chill”), and slipping it into casual conversation will likely earn you a smile or even a new friend.

2. Understand the Context

Formal language learning programs often focus on textbook grammar, but real-life conversations rarely stick to the rules. Knowing how certain slang phrases are used helps you decipher subtext and tone. It’s the difference between understanding “fine” (okay) and “fine” (sarcastically annoyed) in English.

3. Accelerate Cultural Blending

The Czech proverb, "Kolik jazyků znáš, tolikrát jsi člověkem" ("You are as many people as the languages you speak"), rings true. By learning slang, you're not just mimicking the language; you're embodying the culture. This shift signals to the locals that you’re transitioning from an outsider to part of their community.

4. Set Yourself Apart Professionally

Employers are often more impressed by candidates who go the extra mile with cultural immersion. Being able to greet colleagues casually or crack a joke using Czech slang gives you an edge. For Filipinos starting professional journeys abroad, this extra touch can help establish rapport, especially in interviews and networking events.

The Link Between Language and Integration

Moving abroad requires adapting to so much more than just geography—there’s the food, lifestyle, people, and workplace to adjust to. While understanding formal Czech is essential, real life happens beyond textbooks. Speak and Move focuses on teaching practical language skills that include everyday conversation and slang, because this is how real connections happen.

Here’s what happens when you prioritize incorporating local slang into your language learning strategy:

a. You Build Immediate Connections

Whether you’re moving into your new apartment, grocery shopping, or meeting a neighbor for the first time, the words you use set the tone. Showing familiarity with local expressions creates warmth instantly. Imagine saying "Jak to jde?" (roughly, “How's it going?”) versus a stiff "Jak se máte?" You’ll come off as natural, even if you’re still working on your grammar.

b. You Reduce Awkwardness

Moving somewhere unfamiliar means dealing with awkward moments—getting lost, mistaking cultural norms, or even basic misunderstandings. Knowing a few safe conversational slang terms can help reduce the sting of these situations. Locals are more forgiving (and helpful!) when they see you’re making an effort.

c. You Feel Empowered in Social Settings

Think about how much more confident you feel blending into social groups when you know the "inside jokes," cultural phrases, or even common idioms. This confidence extends to personal and professional spaces, giving you the self-assurance you need to thrive.

6 Practical Steps to Learn Local Slang

Want to fast-track your learning? Here are actionable steps to help you master Czech slang (or any local slang) quickly:

 

1. Start with Conversational Basics

Before you explore slang, ensure you’re familiar with conversational basics like greetings, pronouns, and essential questions. If Czech is entirely new to you, Speak and Move offers beginner-friendly courses that make language learning accessible and easy to pick up.

2. Watch Local Media

TV series, movies, and even YouTube channels are excellent resources. Listen carefully for phrases or colloquial terms that locals use often. Shows like Most! and Pustina are rich with day-to-day slang that mirrors modern Czech life.

3. Engage in Daily Practice

Learning slang doesn’t happen overnight. Dedicate a few minutes each day to reviewing local expressions. Start small—learn one slang phrase per day and find a way to use it in a sentence.

4. Join a Local Community

Practice makes perfect. Seek out cultural exchange groups or social communities for foreigners in the Czech Republic. Facebook groups or meetups often pair Czech locals with foreigners for informal language practice.

5. Use Language Apps

Apps like Speak and Move’s proprietary training tools are tailored to help you connect basic vocabulary with real-life slang and idiomatic expressions, bridging the gap between formal learning and authentic communication.

6. Learn with a Mentor

Language mentors help you understand what slang works in informal settings versus what should be avoided in professional situations. With Speak and Move, you can work directly with native-speaking guides who will introduce effective ways to incorporate modern slang into your conversations.

From Language to Lifestyle

Learning a language is not just about mastering the words—it’s about adopting a mindset. When you're open to absorbing slang, you're also more open to the cultural quirks, habits, and humor that make human connections meaningful.

Here are a few examples of Czech slang that can help you break the ice and fit in faster:

• Šplhnout si – A casual way of saying you're trying to butter someone up.
• Hustý! – A common way of saying something's cool or amazing.
• Príma – Simply means something is fine or good, like saying “all good.”

Each phrase brings you closer to sounding like a local and feeling at home in your new environment.

Why Speak and Move is Your Perfect Partner

At Speak and Move, we understand the challenges Filipinos face when starting over in a new country. That’s why our services go beyond language learning. We provide step-by-step guidance, from language courses to cultural workshops, visa assistance, and even job application support.

Our mission is simple: to help you start strong, stay confident, and achieve success. Whether you're dreaming of mornings in a Prague café or envisioning a thriving career abroad, we're here to make it happen.

Take the First Step

Are you ready to confidently start your new adventure in the Czech Republic or another dream destination? Together, we can make it happen.

Book a free consultation today and discover how Speak and Move can help you move, thrive, and belong.