Do you ever feel like you really hate your name and wish you could just change it?
Well, the people of the Czech Republic feel your pain, Chad.
Czech government officials have come to an agreement that “Czechia,” will be the country’s alternative name (no, we’re not sure how to pronounce it either).
Reasoning behind the sudden name change may surprise you. As the summer Olympics quickly approach, the Czech Rebulic Czechia claims they need an easier way to internationally market their companies and sports teams – yes, actually.
Apparently, because the Czech Republic is too long to print on jerseys and labels, Czechia will make everything easier. One company (among many) that will likely take advantage of the catchy nickname is Pilsner Urquell beer, which has “Brewed in Plezen – Czech” on its bottle.
Although, on a political level the Czech Republic will keep its formal name, Czechia is expected to be a ‘cool’ and accepted international nickname (just rolls of the tongue, right?).
The name change has stirred up a bit of controversy. As the country’s regional development minister (accurately) tweeted, people will likely confuse Czechia with Chechnya – which is located in Russia.
Apparently, since Czechoslovakia became Slovakia and the Czech Republic in 1993, the Czech Republic’s citizens have been unhappy with the country’s name.
People have since referred to its citizens as being “Czech,” although because Czech is an adjective it falls outside of basic grammar rules (confused yet?). You can’t say you’re from Czech, but you can say you’re from Czechia.
Prime minister, president, heads of parliament, and foreign defence ministers have all agreed on the decision – so who makes the final call?
And while updated jerseys don’t mean their athletes will perform any better or worse, one thing’s for sure – Czechia certainly thinks their beer sales will improve.
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