Your G-string’s in the Sidepocket

late ‘70s, it was a quicker machine than the antiquated minibuses it replaced. Perhaps the more modern Toyota Quantum that’s now widely used in the taxi industry could become the Caster Semenya...

20-20

As far as we know there’s no specific explanation for this nickname, but for many, the VW Golf 2 GTI is known as the 20-20 or “TwentyTwenty”. Actually, the term more specifically refers to 2-litre 8-valve Golf 2 GTIs with big bumpers.

Shabir Shaik and Tony Yengeni

Infamous South African politicians, and convicted fraudsters, Shabir Shaik and Tony Yengeni have also lent their names to specific vehicle types in BMW’s E46 shape 320i and Mercedes’ first generation ML-Class SUV respectively. The origin of the “Shabir Shaik” nickname is unclear, but if you google the term “Shabir Shaik BMW” you’ll get numerous links to online classifieds ads with 320i models for sale. The link between Tony Yengeni and the ML are obvious, as it was this vehicle he failed to declare a 50 percent discount on to Parliament in 2003.

Kentucky Rounder

Can I take your order please? In townships today, this car is almost more well known by its nickname of “Kentucky Rounder” (a chicken burger served at KFC fast food joints) than the seventh generation Toyota Corolla it is. We can only assume that it’s adopted this name because of its much more round shape than the Corolla it replaced.

Simunye

“Simunye” means “we are one” in African culture, and is also a nickname for BMW’s 1 Series.

We’re aware of many other nicknames such as Khumbulekhaya, Mary Decker, Brenda Fassie, Mkhumbi and Caracara, but need your help in identifying them. Or, feel free to add to our list.

Readers can mail me at jesse.adams@inl.co.za or follow me on Twitter @PoorBoyLtd