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MapQuest Just Had The Cheekiest Clapback To The Renaming Of The Gulf Of Mexico, And You Can Make A Map Say Literally Whatever You Want

Siena Giljum
·2-min read

Remember MapQuest? To me, that name invokes happy memories of printed-out directions in 2006 and playing navigator for my parents from the backseat.

Two printed sheets show a list of MapQuest driving directions on the left and a map highlighting a travel route on the right
Two printed sheets show a list of MapQuest driving directions on the left and a map highlighting a travel route on the right

It's still VERY much around, though, as a web and app mapping service. You can plan routes, get real-time directions, and...rename the Gulf of Mexico.

Hey, someone did that already!

Donald Trump in suit signs document on desk with "Gulf of America" map in background
Donald Trump in suit signs document on desk with "Gulf of America" map in background

Yeah, whatever. Now you can, too! I mean, what's stopping you?

MoonPie changed the name of Florida, so...basically nothing.

Allow me to explain. MapQuest recently took some inspiration from the White House and announced a very special tool.

Tweet from MapQuest promoting Gulf Map Generator with a lighthearted tone, featuring a map of the Gulf of Mexico region
Tweet from MapQuest promoting Gulf Map Generator with a lighthearted tone, featuring a map of the Gulf of Mexico region

It allows anyone — including you, dear reader — to rename the body of water off the coasts of the American South and eastern Mexico to whatever their heart desires.

A computer screen displaying a map of the Gulf of Mexico on the MapQuest website, with navigation and download options on the left
A computer screen displaying a map of the Gulf of Mexico on the MapQuest website, with navigation and download options on the left

For the record, MapQuest.com still lists it as the Gulf of Mexico, while Google and Apple Maps have changed it to the Gulf of America.

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People immediately got creative.

Map of the Gulf of Mexico with humorous text: "Gulf of I ain't reading all that. I'm happy for u tho. Or sorry that happened"
Map of the Gulf of Mexico with humorous text: "Gulf of I ain't reading all that. I'm happy for u tho. Or sorry that happened"

Some remembered the funny political moments that all seem like a distant dream now.

Map showing the Gulf of Mexico labeled humorously as "Gulf of Four Seasons Total Landscaping"
Map showing the Gulf of Mexico labeled humorously as "Gulf of Four Seasons Total Landscaping"

...Or the political moments du jour.

Map highlights areas in the Gulf of Mexico, humorously labeled "Gulf of $7.00 eggs," with social media user comments below
Map highlights areas in the Gulf of Mexico, humorously labeled "Gulf of $7.00 eggs," with social media user comments below

Ope.

Map of Gulf of Mexico area labeled as "Gulf of Mangione"
Map of Gulf of Mexico area labeled as "Gulf of Mangione"

Sigh.

Map of the Gulf of Mexico labeled humorously as "Gulf of American Entitlement" with MapQuest logo
Map of the Gulf of Mexico labeled humorously as "Gulf of American Entitlement" with MapQuest logo

I hate it here!

Map showing Gulf of Mexico labeled as "Gulf of Greenland"
Map showing Gulf of Mexico labeled as "Gulf of Greenland"

MapQuest posted the same message on X, where people were equally tickled.

Map of Gulf of Mexico labeled "Gulf of What it's been for over 400 years (Mexico)"
Map of Gulf of Mexico labeled "Gulf of What it's been for over 400 years (Mexico)"

What's updog?

chrisckelly / X / Via x.com
chrisckelly / X / Via x.com

This also reminded people that MapQuest exists and is pretty cool.

Tweet mentioning the search for a map app that retains the Gulf of Mexico's name; abandoning Google and Apple Maps
Tweet mentioning the search for a map app that retains the Gulf of Mexico's name; abandoning Google and Apple Maps

By the way, they're unreasonably funny online, and no one was gonna tell me?!?

Carrie Bradshaw in "Sex and the City" seated at a desk, holding a cigarette thoughtfully. Text above spoofs a Carrie quote with musing about renaming Gulf of Mexico
Carrie Bradshaw in "Sex and the City" seated at a desk, holding a cigarette thoughtfully. Text above spoofs a Carrie quote with musing about renaming Gulf of Mexico

You can try the "Gulf of" naming tool yourself here! What are you renaming that storied oceanic basin? Let me know in the comments. Please. I want to laugh.

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