In London, the terms used to describe taxis depend on the type of vehicle being referred to, as there is a strict distinction between the "Black Cab" and the "Minicab." Londoners most commonly call the iconic, purpose-built vehicles "Cabs" or "Black Cabs". These are the only vehicles that can be hailed on the street and are officially known as "Hackney Carriages", a term that dates back centuries but is now used primarily in legal and regulatory contexts. A Londoner might say, "Let’s grab a cab," specifically meaning a licensed Black Cab whose driver has passed the rigorous "Knowledge" exam. In contrast, any vehicle that must be pre-booked via an app or phone (like Uber or a local firm) is referred to as a "Minicab". Using the word "taxi" is generally understood but sounds slightly more formal or tourist-like compared to the local preference for "cab." Interestingly, despite the name "Black Cab," these vehicles now come in many colors and often carry full-body advertisements, yet the traditional moniker persists as a sign of their unique status and heritage in the capital's transport network.