Ekene Aka
How far my people
You know how Nigerians are famous for giving names to everything, right? Well, it turns out that apart from naming their children, they also name their cars. Yeah, you heard me right, cars! It’s like they can’t resist putting their personal touch on everything
Now, here’s the funny thing: after the manufacturers have already given these cars some fancy names, Nigerians take it a step further and give them their own names. Why, you ask? Well, it’s partly for marketing purposes, especially for the dealers. And of course, it makes it easier for people to identify their beloved cars in the sea of vehicles out there.
Some of these car names are downright hilarious and seem a bit “meaningless” when you look at the cars themselves. You’d scratch your head trying to figure out the connection between the name and the car. But hey, that’s just how Nigerians roll!
Let me give you a glimpse into this unique naming culture. So, you know Honda and Toyota, right? They’re like the rock stars of the car world in Nigeria. And boy, do they have some interesting names for their popular models!
So first on our list we have :
- Toyota Camry 2004
Take the Toyota Camry 2004, for example. Nigerians weren’t too impressed with its large structure and expected more features to match its size. So, what did they do? They ridiculed it and started calling it “Big for Nothing.” Ouch, talk about brutal!
- Honda Accord 1990
Now, let’s talk about the Honda Accord 1990. This beauty became a sensation in the Northern part of Nigeria, and they gave it the name “Halla.” Funny thing is, nobody really knows why they called it that, but the name stuck like glue.
- Honda Accord 2003
Ah, the Honda Accord 2003. When this baby hit the Nigerian market, it was like a dream come true for car enthusiasts. It was considered one of the best things that Honda had ever produced. People with a touch of class and deep pockets could afford this prestigious ride. They even came up with the nickname “End of Discussion” because, well, that’s what it symbolized. Who needs more discussion when you’re cruising in style?
- Honda Accord 2006
Of course, the story didn’t end there. The Honda Accord 2006 and 2010 models followed in the footsteps of their predecessor, the “End of Discussion.” So, what did Nigerians call them? You guessed it, “Discussion Continues.” How a discussion can end and still continue, nobody knows, but hey, it’s all part of the charm!
- Honda Accord 2009
Now, brace yourself for this one. The Honda Accord 2009 and 2012 models earned the nickname “Evil Spirit.” Why, you ask? Well, according to car dealers, it’s all because of the terrifying headlamp design. I guess those headlights had some serious attitude!
- Toyota Camry 2007
Moving on to the Toyota Camry 2007. This sleek and curvy car was given the nickname “Muscle.” Can you believe it? As a car enthusiast myself when I heard the name “Muscle“, I couldn’t help but chuckle. If it were up to me, i would’ve given it a different name, maybe something related to a curvy beautiful lady. Well, to each their own, right?
- Toyota Camry 1999
Let’s not forget the Toyota Camry 1999, which got the nickname “Pencil.” Now, you might wonder why on earth they called it that. Well, it’s all about the long and slim shape of the car. It’s as if someone took a pencil and stretched it out into a car. Pretty creative, if you ask me!
- Honda Accord 1998
Ah, here’s a fun one. The Honda Accord 1998, also known as “Baby Boy” or “Hennessy.” This name came about when the movie “Baby Boy” hit the screens in 2001. The lead actor, Tyrese Gibson, drove this Honda model in the movie, and Nigerians couldn’t resist adopting the name for their beloved car. It’s like they wanted to channel their inner baby boy or sip on that Hennessy vibe while cruising around town. Talk about movie-inspired car names!
Now, let’s dive into some classics, the “Ancestors” of the car world, as the self-proclaimed car naming specialist, likes to call them( which is me, of course, the author of this article). These vintage cars have a charm of their own and are in high demand despite their old-school style.
- 1976 Mercedes-Benz W123
One such classic is the Mercedes-Benz W123 and W124, which were a series of popular cars in Nigeria during the 1970s. The W123 model, known as the Mercedes-Benz 200, earned the nickname “Flat Boot” or “Regular Benz.”
- 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300
The 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300, also known as the Mercedes Benz W124, which had its own nickname, “V-Boot,” due to its V-shaped boot. These vintage Mercs still turn heads and have a timeless appeal.
- Volkswagen Beetle 1957
And who can forget the iconic Volkswagen Beetle? Back in the day, from the early 1970s to the late 1980s, this car was a sensation in Nigeria. The federal government even gifted youth corps members with Beetles, and it became a symbol of freedom and adventure. While Nigerians commonly referred to it as the Beetle due to its distinct shape, different tribes had their own names for it. The Yoruba called it “ijapa,” the Hausa called it “Kunkuru,” and the Tiv called it “Kurugh.” Interestingly, all these names meant “tortoise,” which perfectly described the Beetle’s resemblance to our slow and steady reptilian friends.
Now, here’s a little trivia for you: the Volkswagen Beetle was actually the brainchild of Ferdinand Porsche and Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany. They called it the “people’s car” back in the 1930s. Who would’ve thought that a car with such a history would become an endearing part of Nigerian car culture?
So, there you have it, guys! Nigerians have a knack for giving their cars unique and sometimes hilarious names. Whether it’s the modern-day wonders like “Big for Nothing” or the vintage beauties like “Flat Boot” and “Tortoise Car,” these names add a touch of personality and fun to the world of automobiles. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll spot a Nigerian-named car cruising down your street and have a good laugh at its quirky moniker (nickname).
