K Y M,
Don't listen to Patrick--he's one of the disenfranchised--by choice or design, well, only he knows for sure.
Here's your explanation, and no, I don't expect a suspension for telling you(hell, I'd tell you over there if you'd asked!)
It's a reference to Naugahyde--once used for car interiors, motorcycle seats, and the like. Our SH pal Gary once described naugahyde in his signature, and somehow, it took off from there. It's silly, yeah, but fun, and also unique. As a joke, HZ not only came up with the Nauga avatar--which is pretty nifty, and I use it in birthday and other congratulatory posts--but during April Fool's began inserting them into certain avatars--including mine(it's in Buffy's bodice, you may have noticed). Nobody seems to mind, and with the addition of the SH Frog(Michigan J. Frog of WB cartoon fame)lends the place a certain distinction. So what if it's silly shit? Who cares? I like silly shit, myself. There's nothing I detest more than a forum like HTF, where everything is business and having a good time with bullshit and banter is discouraged.
And you needn't worry: not likely a Nauga will turn up in an avatar of yours anytime soon. Only certain 'good sports' get them. You might try being one, but that's up to you.
ED

When remixing vintage tapes, imagine you are back in the time those recordings were made, and mix accordingly. forget Today's Sound Sensibilities....