What's wrong with saying I'm American?

[Rio Cana]

It seems most of the nations of the Americas are named after a native group or word. This include 26 US States. The rest in the Americas have names of explorers or Independence leaders. A few have names which remind them of a place like Venezuela which means little Venice. It has to do with the natives living in homes with stilts on the water.

Brazil is named after a tree.

Thus, the US could have been named after a tree or cactus for example. the United States of Saguaro. Problem is there were no Saguaro cactus in the Eastern US. Or at the very least name the US after one of its founding leaders. Or the Atlantic ocean, "New Atlantis".

it seems they stuck with America since it was a neutral name. After all, chances are the early states had there own ideas on what the new nation should be called. So to avoid any possible rivalry they picked a neutral name all would agree too.

[Immoren]

[quote="Alyakia";p="25827704"beyond the word of wiki

But I thought that it's already established that Wikipedia is more reliable than encyclopedia britannica.

[Wisconsin9]

-No, it's actually a helluva lot easier to say American than Unitedstatesian. Demonstrably so, even. The latter is a mouthful and sounds exceedingly stupid.

-There is no continent known as America, last I checked. America is shorthand for the United States of America, not for any continent. If you mean North or South America, fantastic. Seeing as how Americans don't refer to themselves as being from either, but from The United States of America I'm a little bit bewildered by how people can summon the butthurt to even make this an issue.

-No one ever says they are North American, lol.

-Pretty sure Saudis will say that they are Saudis.

-Other countries may refer to us however they wish. But don't please don't expect us to call ourselves something as ridiculous as "Unitedstatesians."

I'm north American, that's to distinguish me from south Americans.
Not really uncommon at all.

And how often do you end up telling people what continent you're from?

[Mesrane]

But when someone asks what country you are from, you're not going to say that you are North American.

Of course not. North America isn't a country. "America," however, is.

Naturally. The poster I originally responded to seemed to think people refer to themselves as North American aside from distinguishing themselves from South America, as if North America could be a country.

[-Bailey Jay-]

Of course not. North America isn't a country. "America," however, is.

Naturally. The poster I originally responded to seemed to think people refer to themselves as North American aside from distinguishing themselves from South America, as if North America could be a country.

Oh, k. Sorry. I thought you were in the "United Statesian" crowd.

[Deuxtete]

I'm north American, that's to distinguish me from south Americans.
Not really uncommon at all.

But when someone asks what country you are from, you're not going to say that you are North American.

Well no, North America isn't a country.
However when asked the more general question "where are you from" I do in fact reply North America, if I'm not in North America.
I don't assume non-english speakers will know my accent. Plus, its just natural.
I'm not going to say I'm going to Spain just because that's where the plane is landing... I'm going to Europe.
The most common question is of course "American?" So they know if they must speak English.

I'm not saying you're wrong precisely but people do in fact say "im north American".

[Deuxtete]

[quote="Alyakia";p="25827704"beyond the word of wiki

But I thought that it's already established that Wikipedia is more reliable than encyclopedia britannica.

I didn't ask for encyclopedia Britannica either, you don't read much do you.

[Rio Cana]

Of course not. North America isn't a country. "America," however, is.

Naturally. The poster I originally responded to seemed to think people refer to themselves as North American aside from distinguishing themselves from South America, as if North America could be a country.

Generally, when one thinks of North America they tend to first think of the US stretching from Sea to Shining Sea. It takes up a chunk of NA. Mexico, Central America and Canada being on the peripheral, really seem not to be taken much into account.

[Immoren]

But I thought that it's already established that Wikipedia is more reliable than encyclopedia britannica.

I didn't ask for encyclopedia Britannica either, you don't read much do you.

I register things selectively and have a dyslexia. *nods*

[Deuxtete]

It seems most of the nations of the Americas are named after a native group or word. This include 26 US States. The rest in the Americas have names of explorers or Independence leaders. A few have names which remind them of a place like Venezuela which means little Venice. It has to do with the natives living in homes with stilts on the water.

Brazil is named after a tree.

Thus, the US could have been named after a tree or cactus for example. the United States of Saguaro. Problem is there were no Saguaro cactus in the Eastern US. Or at the very least name the US after one of its founding leaders. Or the Atlantic ocean, "New Atlantis".

it seems they stuck with America since it was a neutral name. After all, chances are the early states had there own ideas on what the new nation should be called. So to avoid any possible rivalry they picked a neutral name all would agree too.

The early states were autonomous, you were Virginian, Pennsylvanian, etc etc. With freedom of movement among the united states.

You know, going back to that wouldn't be so bad.
"where are you from?" No one replies American to that, they say America...which is accurate. What are you? Texan, Michigander, Tennesseean etc etc.
I could live with that.

[Mesrane]

Naturally. The poster I originally responded to seemed to think people refer to themselves as North American aside from distinguishing themselves from South America, as if North America could be a country.

Oh, k. Sorry. I thought you were in the "United Statesian" crowd.

Oh gawd, no.

But when someone asks what country you are from, you're not going to say that you are North American.

Well no, North America isn't a country.
However when asked the more general question "where are you from" I do in fact reply North America, if I'm not in North America.
I don't assume non-english speakers will know my accent. Plus, its just natural.
I'm not going to say I'm going to Spain just because that's where the plane is landing... I'm going to Europe.
The most common question is of course "American?" So they know if they must speak English.

I'm not saying you're wrong precisely but people do in fact say "im north American".

I find that a bit silly, TBH. It's being over-general when a more specific answer would be more appropriate. You don't mention the country you are a citizen of when a foreigner asks you where you're from?

As for Spain, I would definitely say that I'm going to Spain if I'm going to Spain. Insisting that no, I'm going to Europe, is like saying that you went to X town when someone asks you what you did today. Well, what did you do in X town? Go to the mall? See a movie? That's probably not a great example of what I'm trying to say, but my point is that an insistence on refusing to identify a country you are traveling too when you're traveling to a country is . . kinda odd.

*Seatmate on plane turns to you*

"Where u going?"

"Europe."

"Ya no shit man, so is everyone on this plane. Where u going?"

"Uhh . . Spain, I guess. In Europe. Cause it's in Europe, you know."

Maybe I'm missing what you're getting at, but insisting on Europe as an overly general answer to a question concerning your destination is silly.

[Deuxtete]

Oh, k. Sorry. I thought you were in the "United Statesian" crowd.

Oh gawd, no.

Well no, North America isn't a country.
However when asked the more general question "where are you from" I do in fact reply North America, if I'm not in North America.
I don't assume non-english speakers will know my accent. Plus, its just natural.
I'm not going to say I'm going to Spain just because that's where the plane is landing... I'm going to Europe.
The most common question is of course "American?" So they know if they must speak English.

I'm not saying you're wrong precisely but people do in fact say "im north American".

I find that a bit silly, TBH. It's being over-general when a more specific answer would be more appropriate. You don't mention the country you are a citizen of when a foreigner asks you where you're from?

As for Spain, I would definitely say that I'm going to Spain if I'm going to Spain. Insisting that no, I'm going to Europe, is like saying that you went to X town when someone asks you what you did today. Well, what did you do in X town? Go to the mall? See a movie? That's probably not a great example of what I'm trying to say, but my point is that an insistence on refusing to identify a country you are traveling too when you're traveling to a country is . . kinda odd.

*Seatmate on plane turns to you*

"Where u going?"

"Europe."

"Ya no shit man, so is everyone on this plane. Where u going?"

"Uhh . . Spain, I guess. In Europe. Cause it's in Europe, you know."

Maybe I'm missing what you're getting at, but insisting on Europe as an overly general answer to a question concerning your destination is silly.

I wasn't going to Spain. Hence my point. I was literally touring Europe...the plane was landing in Spain. Duhderpduh.

But hey your way works too, simple thinking for simple minds I suppose.

[Mesrane]

Oh gawd, no.



I find that a bit silly, TBH. It's being over-general when a more specific answer would be more appropriate. You don't mention the country you are a citizen of when a foreigner asks you where you're from?

As for Spain, I would definitely say that I'm going to Spain if I'm going to Spain. Insisting that no, I'm going to Europe, is like saying that you went to X town when someone asks you what you did today. Well, what did you do in X town? Go to the mall? See a movie? That's probably not a great example of what I'm trying to say, but my point is that an insistence on refusing to identify a country you are traveling too when you're traveling to a country is . . kinda odd.

*Seatmate on plane turns to you*

"Where u going?"

"Europe."

"Ya no shit man, so is everyone on this plane. Where u going?"

"Uhh . . Spain, I guess. In Europe. Cause it's in Europe, you know."

Maybe I'm missing what you're getting at, but insisting on Europe as an overly general answer to a question concerning your destination is silly.

I wasn't going to Spain. Hence my point. I was literally touring Europe...the plane was landing in Spain. Duhderpduh.

But hey your way works too, simple thinking for simple minds I suppose.

Maybe you should have actually mentioned that, instead of leaving your post unclear so as to imply that your final destination was Spain. Details details.

[Rio Cana]

Oh, k. Sorry. I thought you were in the "United Statesian" crowd.

Oh gawd, no.

Well no, North America isn't a country.
However when asked the more general question "where are you from" I do in fact reply North America, if I'm not in North America.
I don't assume non-english speakers will know my accent. Plus, its just natural.
I'm not going to say I'm going to Spain just because that's where the plane is landing... I'm going to Europe.
The most common question is of course "American?" So they know if they must speak English.

I'm not saying you're wrong precisely but people do in fact say "im north American".

I find that a bit silly, TBH. It's being over-general when a more specific answer would be more appropriate. You don't mention the country you are a citizen of when a foreigner asks you where you're from?

As for Spain, I would definitely say that I'm going to Spain if I'm going to Spain. Insisting that no, I'm going to Europe, is like saying that you went to X town when someone asks you what you did today. Well, what did you do in X town? Go to the mall? See a movie? That's probably not a great example of what I'm trying to say, but my point is that an insistence on refusing to identify a country you are traveling too when you're traveling to a country is . . kinda odd.

*Seatmate on plane turns to you*

"Where u going?"

"Europe."

"Ya no shit man, so is everyone on this plane. Where u going?"

"Uhh . . Spain, I guess. In Europe. Cause it's in Europe, you know."

Maybe I'm missing what you're getting at, but insisting on Europe as an overly general answer to a question concerning your destination is silly.

Of course you could name the city you are going to without naming the nation. After all, everyone knows what you mean when you say you are going to Miami.
Even Will Smith knows - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwBS6QGsH_4

[Socialist Tera]

There is nothing wrong with being American but there is problems with the national identity and ideology at the moment.

[Deuxtete]

I wasn't going to Spain. Hence my point. I was literally touring Europe...the plane was landing in Spain. Duhderpduh.

But hey your way works too, simple thinking for simple minds I suppose.

Maybe you should have actually mentioned that, instead of leaving your post unclear so as to imply that your final destination was Spain. Details details.

I did, you made an assumption using your "logic" which oh look, proved to be kind of useless.
I said I was going to Europe... The plane did in fact land in Spain I did get off in Spain, but your "logic" crumbles in practice.

You do you though, I'm sure its easier.

[Mesrane]

Maybe you should have actually mentioned that, instead of leaving your post unclear so as to imply that your final destination was Spain. Details details.

I did, you made an assumption using your "logic" which oh look, proved to be kind of useless.
I said I was going to Europe... The plane did in fact land in Spain I did get off in Spain, but your "logic" crumbles in practice.

You do you though, I'm sure its easier.

Please point out, oh magnificent one, where in the post in question you stated that you were touring Europe.

I'm not going to say I'm going to Spain just because that's where the plane is landing... I'm going to Europe.

If you want to say that you are touring Europe there are a million ways to better phrase it than this, so that it can be understood that you are landing in Spain in order to tour the continent. In the future, be more specific, better yet, don't be rude towards people who were confused because of your own post's inadequacies. It actually makes you look really stupid, and we can't have that.

Regardless; we've gone way off-topic.

[Imperializt Russia]

Besides, the French already call you "USians".

No?!?
I've heard a lot of differents way to call an american : " 'ricain", "Amerloque", "Américain" or even "Yankee" (pronounced "Yanqui") but I never heard such a term.


P.S : A little checking on the dictionnary told me it's not accepted by the Académie Française neither.

Implying Académie Française is an institution of any relevance.

[Varincia]

keep indentifying yourself as American, people became overly biased by mentality of anti-imperial thinking that they demonized countries with high influence to a point its a sin for the USA to indetify themselves as American.
last time i checked alot of people in colombia any their neighbours insist on addressing themselves as SOUTH AMERICANS over and over.

[Liberty and Linguistics]

Nothing, but for some reason a lot of people in the US love to say " oh im italian or irish or german"

no bitch...your American, just because your grandaddy is from (insert here) dosn't make you a part of that people, I have German and Italian ancestery but I would never say I have loyalty or some sense of commitment to these places.

Well, yeah, they're just discussing where their ancestors are from. My grandparents came from Sweden, but I say I'm "Swedish-American", not Swedish.

[Aelex]

Implying Académie Française is an institution of any relevance.

Given it's the institution which approve the entering of word in dictionnary, it indeed is of some sort of importance in the context we're talking about.
And please, stop raging because your country don't have one. "Exception Culturelle" ftw!

[Imperializt Russia]

Implying Académie Française is an institution of any relevance.

Given it's the institution which approve the entering of word in dictionnary, it indeed is of some sort of importance in the context we're talking about.
And please, stop raging because your country don't have one. "Exception Culturelle" ftw!

Our similar institution isn't intransigent to the point of petty resistance to the notion that French is not God's gift to spoken word.

[Deuxtete]

Nothing, but for some reason a lot of people in the US love to say " oh im italian or irish or german"

no bitch...your American, just because your grandaddy is from (insert here) dosn't make you a part of that people, I have German and Italian ancestery but I would never say I have loyalty or some sense of commitment to these places.

Well, yeah, they're just discussing where their ancestors are from. My grandparents came from Sweden, but I say I'm "Swedish-American", not Swedish.

If you and I were talking face to face I would honestly just say Irish, as American would already be implied.
Not entirely accurate I know, but I know I do it.

[Aelex]

Our similar institution isn't intransigent to the point of petty resistance to the notion that French is not God's gift to spoken word.

I don't see the problem with preserving one of the most beautiful language of the world of foreign influence which may denature it.

[Wisconsin9]

Naturally. The poster I originally responded to seemed to think people refer to themselves as North American aside from distinguishing themselves from South America, as if North America could be a country.

Generally, when one thinks of North America they tend to first think of the US stretching from Sea to Shining Sea. It takes up a chunk of NA. Mexico, Central America and Canada being on the peripheral, really seem not to be taken much into account.

Which is honestly kind of hilarious, if you consider the fact that Canada is bigger than America.