Tuks
Tuks is a term with more than one meaning. In common usage, “tuks” is a shorthand plural for tuk-tuks, the three-wheeled motorized taxis found in parts of Asia and Africa. The name tuk-tuk derives from the characteristic chugging exhaust sound produced by many early engines. Modern tuk-tuks vary in design but typically feature an enclosed driver’s area and a passenger compartment that can seat two to three people, with some variants offering four. They are often used for short urban trips, especially in crowded cities where larger vehicles cannot easily navigate. They are powered by small petrol engines, diesel, or increasingly battery-electric systems. Regulations, licensing, and safety standards vary by country; some places require fares to be metered or negotiated. They are valued for low cost and maneuverability but also face concerns about safety, emissions, and traffic.
In South Africa, “Tuks” is the nickname used for the sports teams of the University of Pretoria,