In this paper we propose a self-addressing framework for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) based on the degenerated use of network address translation (NAT) where each node builds its private “address map”. In contrast to previous proposals, MANET nodes do not need to coordinate in order to generate unique (IP) addresses. This solves an important autoconfiguration problem for MANETs and fits well in cross-layering strategies for stub networks. We discuss the architectural impact of this approach in the bigger context of IP names, addresses and routability.