NationStates Jolt Archive

People from the United States have a habit of calling themselves 'American' or calling their country 'America'. Well, seeing as they live in one of the two Americas calling themselves 'American' would be appropriate, but there are other countries in America lest they forget! Knowing this, what is the TRUE name of an American (US) citizen? A United States of American? Please enlighten me on this issue.

P.S. When the oil runs out, the US should give Canada, Alaska, it looks so out of place, or at least physically air-lift it south with military helicopters.

P.P.S. As a Canadian, it would also be nice if they could leave just a little bit of oil :)!

The true name of a person from the U.S.A. is American. If you do not approve, I suggest building a bridge.

Actually it IS american.

That is what we call our selves.


Just as mexicans are called so because they live in the United States OF Mexico.

Rearly, America should be called something else, seing as it is also the name of an entire continent. Its only perpetuating the American idea that the world revolves around America that the Canadians, the Mexicans, the Brazillians etc are all technically American since they live in continets called America. In much the same way that the French, the Belgians, the Germans, the Sweedish etc are all Europeans because they live in a continent called Europe. Couldnt someone please change either the contienent name or the country name.

How about "USAian?"

Or "YooSayIan" :D

The mexicans and canadians don't care.
We can't change our nations title.We are the americans of the U.S.OfA.
And that is how it has always been.

You guys do not get what he is saying.

Canada, U.S.A, Mexico, Nicaragua, Brazil, Cuba, Jamaica, and so on, are all on the continent of America.

But, there is a reason yankees are called americans, but most of them do not understand it.

There are only 50 states that united in america, and so they are the U.S.A.

But calling themselves American is, yes, technically wrong.



As for Alaska, ya, I'd love for America to hand it over to us, but it would never happen. First, who wants to lose all that oil and lumber? and second, it'd just be like if we gave them British Columbia. All the people living there would be like "Hey, you can't do that! We want to be Canadian, not American, you mofos, you can't just pass us around like that!" and there would be armed rebellions and mass scale rioting.

When people say Americans it is understood by everyone who they are talking about. It is not just that Americans call themselves Americans, but others call us that too. I think the name should stay.

Rearly, America should be called something else, seing as it is also the name of an entire continent. Its only perpetuating the American idea that the world revolves around America that the Canadians, the Mexicans, the Brazillians etc are all technically American since they live in continets called America. In much the same way that the French, the Belgians, the Germans, the Sweedish etc are all Europeans because they live in a continent called Europe. Couldnt someone please change either the contienent name or the country name.


All would would have to do is call it United States of America instead of just america, and just say like"I am from the U.S." or "That is a U.S television/car/pie" or whatnot. But it is sort of late now, as they said.

Maybe they call themselves American because they thought in the beginning they'd eventually control the Americas (manifest destiny). Didn't work out that way, but they had Canada in the eighties (during the reign of Brian Mulroney).

Ah the eighties, what a foul age for music.

When people say Americans it is understood by everyone who they are talking about. It is not just that Americans call themselves Americans, but others call us that too. I think the name should stay.


Like I said, it is technically wrong, but it is much to late to change it.

It would be almost like the time you guys tried to ban booze....we got soooo rich then!

The continent is NORTH America. :headbang:

Just ask Rocco.

You know, the only people I have ever heard complain about this is a few Canadians. No one else from the American continents have a problem. The name stays.

Maybe they call themselves American because they thought in the beginning they'd eventually control the Americas (manifest destiny). Didn't work out that way, but they had Canada in the eighties (during the reign of Brian Mulroney).

Ah the eighties, what a foul age for music.


well, I do agree that Brian was a dumbass, but the eighties wasn't ALL bad.

What about..........

You know, the only people I have ever heard complain about this is a few Canadians. No one else from the American continents have a problem. The name stays.



More people then just us, my friend, other people to, but the reason is, my good man, have you ever actually listened to the opnion of a Mexican?

The continent is NORTH America. :headbang:



The America's. It is called the America's, and that's what is was called originally. They just said North America alot when they were talking about the North of it.

The whole thing is called the America's.

"You know, the only people I have ever heard complain about this is a few Canadians. No one else from the American continents have a problem. The name stays."

The only reason Canadians a few Canadians are complaining is becasue the rest of America (the continent) live in third world countries and Don't have computers. What an idiotic statement (sorry I mean ignorant, no offence good sir).

P.S. I can't quote

More people then just us, my friend, other people to, but the reason is, my good man, have you ever actually listened to the opnion of a Mexican?
Yes. I live around quite a few.

This topic was brought up one time and they thought American was a good name for someone from the US.

"The world will be more free under my leadership."

-George W. Bush, president of U.S.A.

"You know, the only people I have ever heard complain about this is a few Canadians. No one else from the American continents have a problem. The name stays."

The only reason Canadians a few Canadians are complaining is becasue the rest of America (the continent) live in third world countries and Don't have computers. What an idiotic statement (sorry I mean ignorant, no offence good sir).

P.S. I can't quote


that's what I was saying.

"You know, the only people I have ever heard complain about this is a few Canadians. No one else from the American continents have a problem. The name stays."

The only reason Canadians a few Canadians are complaining is becasue the rest of America (the continent) live in third world countries and Don't have computers. What an idiotic statement (sorry I mean ignorant, no offence good sir).

P.S. I can't quote
Sorry, I meant in person, not on a computer. I have met people from all over the Americas and the only people that wanted to call themselves America were people from Canada.

EDIT: Here is a better question. Have you Canadians ever met someone from South America? I guarantee I know more.

Yes. I live around quite a few.

This topic was brought up one time and they thought American was a good name for someone from the US.


They probably said that because that is what you call yourselves.

I don't go to India and say that "Them red dots is damn stupid way 'a blessin' ifin' ya' ask me."

Sorry, I meant in person, not on a computer. I have met people from all over the Americas and the only people that wanted to call themselves America were people from Canada.



No, I know you meant in person. That was clear.

"The world will be more free under my leadership."

-George W. Bush, president of U.S.A.


why did you put that here?

If only those forefathers had made up a name like Cheesia or New Hamsterland. It would make things much easier. Or ask the natives what it was like Canada.

P.S. Canada, quite appropiately, means village of small huts. It was a misinterpretation of the word by a french explorer. We are really Turtle Islanders.

In reply to the idea that some from the USA calling themselves American is technically incorrect: surely this is not the case, since the USA is in America. You could argue that it is a bit vague, but what would be the point!!!

Sorry, I meant in person, not on a computer. I have met people from all over the Americas and the only people that wanted to call themselves America were people from Canada.

Canadians don't want to call themselves American. Some just want people from the US to coin a new phrase since everyone in North and South America are technically Americans. Just not US of America-ns.

"Sorry, I meant in person, not on a computer. I have met people from all over the Americas and the only people that wanted to call themselves America were people from Canada. "

Why did you ask them?

In reply to the idea that some from the USA calling themselves American is technically incorrect: surely this is not the case, since the USA is in American. You could argue that it is a bit vague, but what would be the point!!!


Yes, but american now means only people fromt the U.S.A when it is not the meaning of the word. That is what we are talking about.

"In reply to the idea that some from the USA calling themselves American is technically incorrect: surely this is not the case, since the USA is in American. You could argue that it is a bit vague, but what would be the point!!! "

If you had read the first psot you would know I said this, I'm speaking about the name of the nation, and the name of its inhabitants.

When you get right down to it, calling people from the US something else is kind of dumb. What would you call them? United Staters? Usian? I am sure the people from way back when decided on what to call the nationality, they thought American was the best option.

"You know, the only people I have ever heard complain about this is a few Canadians. No one else from the American continents have a problem. The name stays."

The only reason Canadians a few Canadians are complaining is becasue the rest of America (the continent) live in third world countries and Don't have computers. What an idiotic statement (sorry I mean ignorant, no offence good sir).

P.S. I can't quote

Not totally accurate, those countries are often second world. Poor and unequal but with expanding wealthy middle classes, like Brazil. There are the stupidly poor, the stupidly rich a group somewhere in the middle that is also smaller than the poor by a long way but many more than the rich.

These people have education, computers, the internet, nice flats in Sao Paulo and all the things we first worlders people so often take for granted but so few others actually have.

"Sorry, I meant in person, not on a computer. I have met people from all over the Americas and the only people that wanted to call themselves America were people from Canada. "

Why did you ask them?
I didn't ask them. It came up in conversation. Why does that matter?

Sorry, I meant in person, not on a computer. I have met people from all over the Americas and the only people that wanted to call themselves America were people from Canada.

EDIT: Here is a better question. Have you Canadians ever met someone from South America? I guarantee I know more.


I have met tons of people from south america, but I do agree that you probably know more, but that fact is not helping me belive that you are right.

I point to my previous explanation of this sentiment among them as trying to conform to the local thang.

True, but its the principle of the matter.

Like I said, it is technically wrong, but it is much to late to change it.

It would be almost like the time you guys tried to ban booze....we got soooo rich then!


like I said before.


And guys, if your going to enter this, please read the whole thing before jumping in. It will be less annoying for everyone.

True, but its the principle of the matter.


were you talking to me or him? I'm confused.

"EDIT: Here is a better question. Have you Canadians ever met someone from South America? I guarantee I know more."

Acctually my uncle Rick Cummins is a World Vision worker and has been to South America several times. Yes there are charities in Canada. No it is not a communist country, it ihas left-wing socialism with fiscal conservatism.

"EDIT: Here is a better question. Have you Canadians ever met someone from South America? I guarantee I know more."

Acctually my uncle Rick Cummins is a World Vision worker and has been to South America several times. Yes there are charities in Canada. No it is not a communist country, it ihas left-wing socialism with fiscal conservatism.



......that doesn't make sense. Why do you say that? I am again confused.

So here is the conclusion so far that we all agree on so far:

The term "American" refers to someone from the Americas. However, right now it is used to describe the nationality of people from the United States of America. And there is little we can do to change this.

So, the name will stay the same. :)

Here. this includes eveyone's arguments and then some.
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=american

They probably said that because that is what you call yourselves.

I don't go to India and say that "Them red dots is damn stupid way 'a blessin' ifin' ya' ask me."


Anyhow, I am going to go for a little, but I will leave you by quoting myself, cuz I'm so prolific.

Hear Hear! or is it Here Here? Anyway yes.

"In reply to the idea that some from the USA calling themselves American is technically incorrect: surely this is not the case, since the USA is in American. You could argue that it is a bit vague, but what would be the point!!! "

If you had read the first psot you would know I said this, I'm speaking about the name of the nation, and the name of its inhabitants.

I did read the first post. I was, as I said, replying to the idea that it was incorrect for someone from the USA to call themselves American.

In reply to the original post: The dictionary (at least the one I read) defines American in more than one way (like lots of words) 1. Of or pertaining to the United states of American and it's people. 2. Of or pertaining to the Continent of America and it's people

(this is not a direct quote, but I haven't altered the meaning)

So here is the conclusion so far that we all agree on so far:

The term "American" refers to someone from the Americas. However, right now it is used to describe the nationality of people from the United States of America. And there is little we can do to change this.

So, the name will stay the same. :)



well put.

I did read the first post. I was, as I said, replying to the idea that it was incorrect for someone from the USA to call themselves American.

In reply to the original post: The dictionary (at least the one I read) defines American in more than one way (like lots of words) 1. Of or pertaining to the United states of American and it's people. 2. Of or pertaining to the Continent of America and it's people

(this is not a direct quote, but I haven't altered the meaning)



we've been saying that. We beat you to the punch a long time ago.


Read the whole thread.

The dictionary does not work out technicallities but definitions of the uses for words. That is a different issue.

we've been saying that. We beat you to the punch a long time ago.


Read the whole thread.


Well good for you.

It takes me a long time to write replies, because of my dyslexia, so I guess I missed out on that, while I was writing the reply!

I think we should ask the person who ivented the word 'America', though hes probably long dead and feeding worms in Spain.

AMERICA shall now on offically refer to the country and the Contient shall be renamed North Peopleland.

AMERICA shall now on offically refer to the country and the Contient shall be renamed North Peopleland.
Agreed.

Main Entry: 1Amer·i·can
Pronunciation: &-'mer-&-k&n, -'m&r-, -'mar-, -i-k&n
Function: noun
1 : an American Indian of No. America or So. America
2 : a native or inhabitant of No. America or So. America
3 : a citizen of the U.S.A.
4 : AMERICAN ENGLISH

The third definition is the one, to which this Canadian refers. It is indeed unfortunate that so many Canadians feel a need to identify themselves in relation to the U.S.A.

If this small-minded writer were trying to think of something more important, he would have suggested that all people call themselves "earthlings."

There is more than political geographic boundaries that define each individual. A person who wants to disparage his neighbor, such as a Canadian making objection to a citizen of the United States calling himself an American, just has trouble in his soul. He needs more love and peace, in my humble opinion.

Trouble in my soul? I'm having an argument over the internet with people I don't know because it is fun for me.

If you interpert that as trouble with my soul, I think you may have a problem, my friend.

No, he's just a little dumb is all.

Trouble in my soul? I'm having an argument over the internet with people I don't know because it is fun for me.

If you interpert that as trouble with my soul, I think you may have a problem, my friend.
I was going to say that was uncalled for. I think we all like to debate stuff like this knowing full well we will never change anyone's opinion.

Now I might be wrong but wasn't the U.S. the first country establish on the american continents that was reconized by Europe?

Now I might be wrong but wasn't the U.S. the first country establish on the american continents that was reconized by Europe?
Correct. Canada was still part of the English Commonwealth and Mexico was a colony of Spain. The United States was the first to be recognized as a seperate nation.

Okay, since this topic kind of dies let us change its direction.

Suppose everyone decided to stop calling people from the US Americans. What should we call them? Any suggestions?

Why is this even a problem? Are Canadians and Mexicans and Venezuelans and Costa Ricans and Bolivians really upset that they don't get to call themselves Americans? If anything, I would imagine that most sane people would try to distance themselves from that moniker.

Correct. Canada was still part of the English Commonwealth and Mexico was a colony of Spain. The United States was the first to be recognized as a seperate nation.

Well see that ends the whole discussion right there. The citzens of the united states were the first americans. That is why our citzens are called americans. It is the samething in asia. When you say asian you don't think the Russians or the people from India. You think of the Chinease, Koreans, Japanese, Mongolians, and others that live in asia. They were stable governments before Russia or India. Just like the other countries that came after the United States.

The Shining Happy Peoples Democratic Republic of Michael Moore land! :D

You can just call us your new overlords.

Why is this even a problem? Are Canadians and Mexicans and Venezuelans and Costa Ricans and Bolivians really upset that they don't get to call themselves Americans? If anything, I would imagine that most sane people would try to distance themselves from that moniker.
Actually, we call ourselves American. It's only when talking to Europeans or people from the US when you have to clarify.