Karl Meyer: ‘Gulf of Mexico’ a good name, Aztec derived

The water in the Gulf of Mexico appears bluer than usual off of East Beach, Saturday, June 24, 2023, in Galveston, Texas.

The water in the Gulf of Mexico appears bluer than usual off of East Beach, Saturday, June 24, 2023, in Galveston, Texas. JILL KARNICKI/HOUSTON CHRONICLE VIA AP, FILE

Published: 02-02-2025 3:56 PM

Dear Mr. President: With all due respect, it’s the “Gulf of Mexico.” As the saying goes: You’re entitled to your own opinion, but not your own facts. Recalling President Bill Clinton’s one-time campaign mantra, “It’s the economy, stupid!” and recognizing you as our once-again single-term president, “It’s the Gulf of Mexico, silly!” That’s ground truth, derived from the endemic language of the place.

For some crazy reason it’s having a renaissance in all my conversations. I can’t stop trotting it out while on the phone or out in public. “Chilly along the Gulf of Mexico,” I’ll chip in as I pass someone in a store or heading to the men’s room. Same thing at the pub, “Quite the big tide along the Gulf of Mexico tonight!”

It seems to hit a sunny chord of recognition with folks. They all just smile. It’s a good name, “Gulf of Mexico.” Aztec derived. I bet even the fish like it. Think of it like the moon. It’s not going anywhere. Long after we’re dead, “the moon” will be there — endemically labeled by some long-ago people. And so will the Gulf of Mexico.

Karl Meyer

Greenfield

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