NationStates Jolt Archive

Spin off of a spin off.

Is the term USian insulting?

It appears that some members of that nation that is a union of states in the Americas (actually only one of many considering the number of federations in the Americas) that is commonly called the USA are objecting to being called USians. They find it insulting apparently (at least one does)

As a resident in another country in the Americas I have a problem describing citizens of the USA as Americans. There were, in 2000 some 831 million people living in the Americas. Why should the adjective American be reserved for only 282 million of these. That is wrong. It would be like claiming that the adjective European can only be used to describe Germans.

So what should the citizens of the USA be called if they do not like the term USian?

Spin off of a spin off.

Is the term USian insulting?

It appears that some members of that nation that is a union of states in the Americas (actually only one of many considering the number of federations in the Americas) that is commonly called the USA are objecting to being called USians. They find it insulting apparently (at least one does)

As a resident in another country in the Americas I have a problem describing citizens of the USA as Americans. There were, in 2000 some 831 million people living in the Americas. Why should the adjective American be reserved for only 282 million of these. That is wrong. It would be like claiming that the adjective European can only be used to describe Germans.

So what should the citizens of the USA be called if they do not like the term USian?
Americans. If I referred to your country by a totally specious, created-from-thin-air name, would you not be a bit irritated???

I don't find it insulting to be called a "USian," but I do find it cumbersome in conversation. I refer to myself and my fellow "USians" as "Americans," because as far as I know we are the only country that uses "America" as the main bit of our name.

I know there is American Samoa, but my coworker tells me that he prefers to be called "Samoan." I know there is Latin America, but none of my hispanic coworkers like being called "Latin Americans." They prefer to have their individual nationalities recognized. Same for people from South America. So, as far as I know, there really isn't any other nation where the people are interested in being called "Americans."

Americans. If I referred to your country by a totally specious, created-from-thin-air name, would you not be a bit irritated???

You can call me a Spivonian for all I care. As long as I understand the meaning then tohe term used is irrelevent. Language is a fluid medium of expression.

I don't find it insulting to be called a "USian," but I do find it cumbersome in conversation. I refer to myself and my fellow "USians" as "Americans," because as far as I know we are the only country that uses "America" as the main bit of our name.

I know there is American Samoa, but my coworker tells me that he prefers to be called "Samoan." I know there is Latin America, but none of my hispanic coworkers like being called "Latin Americans." They prefer to have their individual nationalities recognized. Same for people from South America. So, as far as I know, there really isn't any other nation where the people are interested in being called "Americans."
You're being entirely too rational for those on here who take great glee in insulting Americans. :rolleyes:

Like I tell people repeatedly, United Statesman.

It's not insulting. It's just dumb and awkward.

You can call me a Spivonian for all I care. As long as I understand the meaning then tohe term used is irrelevent.
Somehow, I don't believe that. :rolleyes:

Americans. If I referred to your country by a totally specious, created-from-thin-air name, would you not be a bit irritated???

I am an American, but I do not live in the USA. What gives you the right to steal this term? If you don't like the term USian then suggest a term that refers only to the citizens of the USA and not to the population of two entire continents (or three depending on how you divide continents).

I am an American, but I do not live in the USA. What gives you the right to steal this term? If you don't like the term USian then suggest a term that refers only to the citizens of the USA and not to the population of two entire continents (or three depending on how you divide continents).

Aren't you an Americano?

Insulting, no. Cumbersome, overly PC and unnecessary, yes.

Somehow, I don't believe that. :rolleyes:

Why not? You don't know me, I only have like 110 posts and I've never debated anything with your before. On what are you basing you assertation that I'm a liar?

I am an American, but I do not live in the USA. What gives you the right to steal this term? If you don't like the term USian then suggest a term that refers only to the citizens of the USA and not to the population of two entire continents (or three depending on how you divide continents).
You really do need to get a bit of education under your belt, don't you. Americans have been called Americans almost since the Country was founded. Try reading a little history for a change. :rolleyes:

Americans. If I referred to your country by a totally specious, created-from-thin-air name, would you not be a bit irritated???
And what's "American" for referring to USians if not that? I'm American too, I live in Argentina.

You really do need to get a bit of education under your belt, don't you. Americans have been called Americans almost since the Country was founded. Try reading a little history for a change. :rolleyes:
Just because it's been used for a long time doesn't make it right.

Why not? You don't know me, I only have like 110 posts and I've never debated anything with your before. On what are you basing you assertation that I'm a liar?
Please do me the courtesy of not putting words in my mouth. I never referred to you as a "liar." Perhaps you're just self-unaware.

I use it meaning no offence, but if offence is taken, I really don't care. American = Inhabitant of the Americas.

And what's "American" for referring to USians if not that? I'm American too, I live in Argentina.
No, you're an Argentenian.

It escapes me what kind of thin-skinned worm could be genuinely "insulted" by something like "usian."

It's only used by people who dont speak or write English up to par.

Well, Brazil is the Federated Republic of Brazil. Should we call them FRians?

It's a stupid term. It's only insulting to my intelligence.

I use it meaning no offence, but if offence is taken, I really don't care. American = Inhabitant of the Americas.
The lack of concern is touching. This entire issue is a tempest in a teapot. But common courtesy, something about which you apparently have very little information, dictates that you call people by the name they have chosen and used for generations.

It's not insulting. It's just dumb and awkward.
It has exactly the same number of syllables as 'American'. It also flows off the tongue quite nicely. Admit that your objection is not based on it 'being awkward'.

Please do me the courtesy of not putting words in my mouth. I never referred to you as a "liar." Perhaps you're just self-unaware.

You said that you doubted the veracity of what I wrote, I take that to mean that you are calling me a liar and have taken offence.

Perhaps we all need to be more careful about the silly, pointless things we allow ourselves to get upset by hmm? ;)

You really do need to get a bit of education under your belt, don't you. Americans have been called Americans almost since the Country was founded. Try reading a little history for a change. :rolleyes:

Try a little deeper history (anda minimal knowledge of linguistics). Words are just conventional invented symbols. The word America, this conventional symbol, has been used since the discovery of the New World to refer to the New World as a whole, and not just to a small fracton of it. Thus, the adjective derived from this conventional label is one that refers to all of the people in the Americas, historically.

You really do need to get a bit of education under your belt, don't you. Americans have been called Americans almost since the Country was founded. Try reading a little history for a change. :rolleyes:

And the supercontinent was called "America" and its inhabitants "Americans" before your country came into being.

It escapes me what kind of thin-skinned worm could be genuinely "insulted" by something like "usian."

It's only used by people who dont speak or write English up to par.
It's also used by those who love to insult, and who don't have the courage to face things directly.

You really do need to get a bit of education under your belt, don't you. Americans have been called Americans almost since the Country was founded. Try reading a little history for a change. :rolleyes:
Ah. Back to childish insults and ubiquitous smileys.

Like I tell people repeatedly, United Statesman.

No offense, but that sounds like a superhero.

No, you're an Argentenian.
Yes, I am. But I also American just like Germans are European.

Well, Brazil is the Federated Republic of Brazil. Should we call them FRians?

It's a stupid term. It's only insulting to my intelligence.
Nope. The thing is Brazil is not the name of the continent, and exclusive to that country, so there's no conflict in calling them Brazilians. Oh, and they're Americans too.

No, you're an Argentenian.
Actually, in English, it's 'Argentine'.

And you are an estadounidense. A USian, in English.

Live with it.

Americans have been called Americans almost since the Country was founded. Try reading a little history for a change. :rolleyes:
US Americans have called themselves Americans. The name of the country is rather arrogant, appropriating the name of an entire double continent.

As for "USians" or "Americans", I use neither, instead I call them the same as every person around me, "US Americans".

You're being entirely too rational for those on here who take great glee in insulting Americans. :rolleyes:
I don't see how it is an insult. U and S are two-thirds of USA. If they called me a USAian, would that be better?

I just object because it sounds awkward and I don't think I would understand the term if I heard it in conversation (as opposed to reading it, where the capitalization and stuff can clarify). For me, the whole point in naming nationalities is to quickly and clearly give and receive information about somebody's country of origin...why start using terms that nobody will understand?

The lack of concern is touching. This entire issue is a tempest in a teapot. But common courtesy, something about which you apparently have very little information, dictates that you call people by the name they have chosen and used for generations.

Common courtesy? You think it is common courtesy to the rest of the inhabitants of the Americas that USians are the only ones to be called Americans?

Please, spare me such glaring hypocrisy.

Try a little deeper history (anda minimal knowledge of linguistics). Words are just conventional invented symbols. The word America, this conventional symbol, has been used since the discovery of the New World to refer to the New World as a whole, and not just to a small fracton of it. Thus, the adjective derived from this conventional label is one that refers to all of the people in the Americas, historically.
Nice try at obfuscation, but no cigar.

They prefer to have their individual nationalities recognized. Same for people from South America. So, as far as I know, there really isn't any other nation where the people are interested in being called "Americans."
Not nations, of course, but America is the name of a continent. When they come together, they like to refer themselves as Americans. In the Organizations of American States, for example. Or the Liberators of America Cup in international soccer.

I guess in most cases the context should make it clear enough, though.

There may be many people in the rest of the Americas. But there is only one nation on earth called America. That's the United States of America. That is why our people are called Americans, not USians.

If Brazil was called America, its people would be called Americans, not Brazilians as they are now.

The adjective is always taken from the name of the country:
Great Britain=British
Russia=Russian
France=French
Israel=Israelis
Jordan=Jordanian (arab is an ethnicity, not necessarily a race)
Saudi Arabia=Saudi
Mexico=Mexican
Nicaragua=Nicaraguan
Canada=Canadian
Cuba=Cuban
Haiti=Haitian
China=Chinese
Japan=Japanese
Korea=Korean
Brazil=Brazilian
Argentina=Argentine
South Africa=South African
Egypt=Egyptian
Nigeria=Nigerian
Liberia= Liberian
Sudan=Sudanese

Hence United States of America= American

Please, spare me such glaring hypocrisy.
He won't.

I use it meaning no offence, but if offence is taken, I really don't care.
I have to say, I do think this is a bit rude. I mean, if I found out that Canadians were sincerely offended by my lighthearted habit of refering to "Canadia" (it's a joke, really!), I would apologize.

I sometimes enjoy pissing people off deliberately, but I never enjoy finding out that I am accidentally pissing people off. I would rather that all the offense I cause be intentional :).

Nice try at obfuscation, but no cigar.
So history is obfuscation when it doesn't back you up? Interesting.

No, you're an Argentenian.

His in an Argentine, and an American. Rather like PM is an Englishman and a European. (And at least do him the courtesy of spelling Argentinian correctly if you choose to use this version).

I am an American, but I do not live in the USA. What gives you the right to steal this term? If you don't like the term USian then suggest a term that refers only to the citizens of the USA and not to the population of two entire continents (or three depending on how you divide continents).
You're Canadian or Mexican or Honduran or whatever. We're Americans because we live in the United States of America. If you want to use an awkward term like "USian" that's fine, but be prepared to have to explain the term to most people you meet.

Actually, in English, it's 'Argentine'.

And you are an estadounidense. A USian, in English.

Live with it.
Actually, I've been told both "Argentinian" and "Argentine" are correct terms. And yes, you're right about "estadounidense", but it's more like Unitedstatean. :D

You're Canadian or Mexican or Honduran or whatever. We're Americans because we live in the United States of America. If you want to use an awkward term like "USian" that's fine, but be prepared to have to explain the term to most people you meet.
There's the root of the problem. Your country cannot be called America in a way it creates conflict between itself and the continent.

Not nations, of course, but America is the name of a continent. When they come together, they like to refer themselves as Americans. In the Organizations of American States, for example. Or the Liberators of America Cup in international soccer.

I guess in most cases the context should make it clear enough, though.
I certainly have heard "the Americas" refered to collectively, but I have yet to meet a person from a non-USA nation in the Americas who wanted to be refered to as "American."

Of course, my annecdotal experience is all I've got to go on for this one.

We must eliminate all homonyms.

Henceforth, people from Chile will be referred to as RCians, so as to avoid offending small red peppers.

You're being entirely too rational for those on here who take great glee in insulting Americans. :rolleyes:
That's just Bottle's way, personally I think she cant help but be a voice of reason and sanity and would suggest she pay a visit to Realists Annomonous to see if she cant get in tune with the more wacked out specimens who apparently make up the majority she shares the planet with. It probably gets lonely being the lone sane fruit in a bowl of assorted nuts.

As for your concern, worry no more, you for instance seem to be doing more than your fair share for the cause on this USasian issue....

I mean offended because USasian is a 'made up' word....as opposed to what? One the stork dropped off?

The lack of concern is touching. This entire issue is a tempest in a teapot. But common courtesy, something about which you apparently have very little information, dictates that you call people by the name they have chosen and used for generations.


Now, Etrusca, that really isnt true at all.

The germans have never said "lets be called germans." They dont call their country "germany."

"French" is not French for "French."

Japan isnt called Japan, its called Nihon.

China isnt called China, its called zhong guo.

The basques arent called "basques," they are called "euskera."

The Gypsies arent called gypsies, they are called "romani."

I assume you already knew all of these, and all the rest, and take careful note "that you call people by the name they have chosen and used for generations."


The problem with "USian" is that it isnt english, not that it is insulting or unprecedented.

It seems like a literal translation of "estadounidense" to me. Works in spanish, doesnt work in english.

But hey, I'm just a linguist.

Common courtesy? You think it is common courtesy to the rest of the inhabitants of the Americas that USians are the only ones to be called Americans?

Please, spare me such glaring hypocrisy.
ROFLMAO! Get this through your head: we were called Americans long before most of the other countries on this continent were more than scattered villages. It's the name we prefer to be known by. We've used it far longer than anyone else. WTF is wrong with calling us by the name we've chosen and used for generations?

He won't.

Alas, seeing the lumber in one's eye is hard...

but be prepared to have to explain the term to most people you meet.
With enough use, the word won't need an explanation anymore. I'm a Canadian, and an American, but I would never want someone to think I had dual citizenship...

Alas, seeing the lumber in one's eye is hard...
You certainly should know about that particular problem. :rolleyes:

I am an American, but I do not live in the USA. What gives you the right to steal this term? If you don't like the term USian then suggest a term that refers only to the citizens of the USA and not to the population of two entire continents (or three depending on how you divide continents).
You are not American unless your country is America. Your nationality is whatever nation you are from.
American is a nationality. Hence if you are not from the nation called by that name, you have no claim to call yourself American.

With enough use, the word won't need an explanation anymore. I'm a Canadian, and an American, but I would never want someone to think I had dual citizenship...
Neither would I.

You are not American unless your country is America. Your nationality is whatever nation you are from.
American is a nationality. Hence if you are not from the nation called by that name, you have no claim to call yourself American.
You're trying to convince the unconvinceable.

It has exactly the same number of syllables as 'American'. It also flows off the tongue quite nicely. Admit that your objection is not based on it 'being awkward'.
I dunno about "flowing off the tongue."

I don't even know how they are pronouncing it! Is it "us-ee-an," like rhyming with "bus-ee-an"? Is it "You-ess-ee-an"? "You-ess-ee-en"?

Maybe it's the regional accent where I live, but I think "USian" could be really problematic because of the variation in how vowels are pronounced. It is kind of a mooshy term, too, with all the sounds oozing into one another with little consonant division, and the slurring of the term in casual conversation could be an issue.

It's also used by those who love to insult, and who don't have the courage to face things directly.

Here I am. The one who supposedly insulted you.

Here is where I supposedly insulted you:
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10847855&postcount=11

Allow me to clarify once more:
I did not mean to be insulting. If you feel offended by something I wrote, I have no control over that. Only you do.

There may be many people in the rest of the Americas. But there is only one nation on earth called America. That's the United States of America. That is why our people are called Americans, not USians.

That's the problem. The country's name was picked by a committee, and they chose the least imaginative name they could come up with.

"So, what are we going to call this?"
"Well, we are a bunch of independent provinces."
"Oh, we could call those states!"
"Ok, Bunch of States. That doesn't sound too good."
"We are all together, why don't we say 'United'?"
"Sure, that sounds good. United States."
"Since we are also in America, why don't we say 'of America'? You know, so people don't think we are still British."
"Ok, United States of America. Done!"

No offense, but that sounds like a superhero.

Well, duh. That's the point. If people are going to stereotype you, you may as well play to it.

You are not American unless your country is America. Your nationality is whatever nation you are from.
American is a nationality. Hence if you are not from the nation called by that name, you have no claim to call yourself American.
"American" is a nationality AND a continental identity.

Imagine if France had instead named itself 'Europe'.

He won't.
Uh ... perhaps that's because it isn't? Ya think??? :p

With enough use, the word won't need an explanation anymore. I'm a Canadian, and an American, but I would never want someone to think I had dual citizenship...
Forgive my ignorance, but are you an American citizen who resides in Canada, or a Canadian citizen who resides in America, or something else entirely?

With enough use, the word won't need an explanation anymore. I'm a Canadian, and an American, but I would never want someone to think I had dual citizenship...
I see. And the topic of which continent Canada is on comes up alot for you? Perhaps when you tell people you're Canadian they assume you're from one of those other Canadas in Asia, Africa, or Antarctica?

So history is obfuscation when it doesn't back you up? Interesting.
He wasn't talking history, he was playiing games with semantics.

Nope. The thing is Brazil is not the name of the continent, and exclusive to that country, so there's no conflict in calling them Brazilians. Oh, and they're Americans too.

So, riddle me this. What country am I from if I'm an American?

Most people will answer the USA.

But I suppose you would guess Brazil?

Look, USian is stupid because it's made up from an acronym. Two capitals and three lower case? Looks like something made up by a bunch of intranet l33t speakers. WHICH IT IS.

Maybe there are no IRS agents, just IRSians. And how about UKians? They could be British, but then that implies that all UKians are Britons. Which they aren't.

What do you call someone from the EU? EUian? Could just be European, but ah, but then Europe is a whole continent whereas the EU is just certain parts of it.

Is this getting stupid yet?

I love that no matter how much we do this topic, people still get all frothy over it.

You really do need to get a bit of education under your belt, don't you. Americans have been called Americans almost since the Country was founded. Try reading a little history for a change. :rolleyes:
But Americans have been called Americans even longer than that. That's how Spain and Portugal called their people in America.

ROFLMAO! Get this through your head: we were called Americans long before most of the other countries on this continent were more than scattered villages. It's the name we prefer to be known by. We've used it far longer than anyone else. WTF is wrong with calling us by the name we've chosen and used for generations?

You have not used longer than anyone else. The supercontinent was discovered before your country came into being, and people lived on it before your little revolutionary war. If the choice is calling around 300 million people "USians" and properly calling 900 million "Americans," I will choose the larger number, and the original meaning of the term. You don't call Swedes "Svenskar," and I won't call USians "Americans."

So, riddle me this. What country am I from if I'm an American?

Most people will answer the USA.

But I suppose you would guess Brazil?

Look, USian is stupid because it's made up from an acronym. Two capitals and three lower case? Looks like something made up by a bunch of intranet l33t speakers. WHICH IT IS.

Maybe there are no IRS agents, just IRSians. And how about UKians? They could be British, but then that implies that all UKians are Britons. Which they aren't.

What do you call someone from the EU? EUian? Could just be European, but ah, but then Europe is a whole continent whereas the EU is just certain parts of it.

Is this getting stupid yet?
It's been stupid for as long as those who love insults more than they do common courtesy have been posting on here.

"American" is a nationality AND a continental identity.

Imagine if France had instead named itself 'Europe'.
Ahhhhhhh. I had not encountered anybody from Canada or Mexico who refered to themselves as "American" the way a French person might also identify as "European." I wasn't aware they did this.

Wouldn't you then be a "North American," though? I mean, "American" could really encompass TWO continents, so using "American" as your continental identity would be like a French person saying they are "Eurasian" or something.

I love that no matter how much we do this topic, people still get all frothy over it.
Which is probably what was intended by those who use the degrogatory term they use in place of the correct "American." ( shrug )

You have not used longer than anyone else. The supercontinent was discovered before your country came into being, and people lived on it before your little revolutionary war. If the choice is calling around 300 million people "USians" and properly calling 900 million "Americans," I will choose the larger number, and the original meaning of the term. You don't call Swedes "Svenskar," and I won't call USians "Americans."
If the rest of Sweden is anything like you, I have lots of other names I'd love to call them besides any they might prefer. :D

You certainly should know about that particular problem. :rolleyes:

No, I see the lumber in your eye quite clearly. You think it is uncourteous of people not to call you "American," but don't think it's uncourteous of you not to call people that.

But there is only one nation on earth called America.

Complete rubbish. There's no nation called America.
There are countries that have America as part of their name. One is quite well known:
That's the United States of America.
America still is a double continent.
Hence United States of America= American
One needs a certain arrogance for this shortcut. But, well. in most countries, US citizens are either called that, or some other name including US, or United States, or, as in Spanish, Estados Unidos...

Wouldn't it be cool if english had this thing where one word could have two different meanings?

He wasn't talking history, he was playiing games with semantics.
Ah...so it's not history that the Americas were thusly named long before the United States of Americas came into existence?

No, I see the lumber in your eye quite clearly. You think it is uncourteous of people not to call you "American," but don't think it's uncourteous of you not to call people that.
What ... EVER! :rolleyes:

Well, duh. That's the point. If people are going to stereotype you, you may as well play to it.

I see...we're going to need theme music.

"American" is a nationality AND a continental identity.

Imagine if France had instead named itself 'Europe'.

You could just sidestep the issue by using our state citizenship instead. Though that probably wouldn't work if you wanted to all lump everyone in the country together in some huge generalization.

Spin off of a spin off.

Is the term USian insulting?

It appears that some members of that nation that is a union of states in the Americas (actually only one of many considering the number of federations in the Americas) that is commonly called the USA are objecting to being called USians. They find it insulting apparently (at least one does)

As a resident in another country in the Americas I have a problem describing citizens of the USA as Americans. There were, in 2000 some 831 million people living in the Americas. Why should the adjective American be reserved for only 282 million of these. That is wrong. It would be like claiming that the adjective European can only be used to describe Germans.

So what should the citizens of the USA be called if they do not like the term USian?

Call us Colombians, that works for me. Or you could keep trying to call us USian (how the hell do you pronounce that?) and we'll make up funny names for you too. Names like Islanderians if you live in the Pacific, or "Mountain People" if you're from Chile.

Seriously, I wouldn't even mind changing the USA's name to "The United States of North America" I think that works, what with us being the only United States on this here continent (Git off our property!) since Canada is a dominion and has provinces anyway.

But then again I don't think the name is really bothering anyone over here so I invoke the Monroe Doctrine and order you to leave our name alone!

:p

Forgive my ignorance, but are you an American citizen who resides in Canada, or a Canadian citizen who resides in America, or something else entirely?
*howls*:D
No problem, I'll set you straight in a jiffy! My national identity is Canadian, and my continental identity is American, or North American if you want me to be specific.

*sits primly back down*

There may be many people in the rest of the Americas. But there is only one nation on earth called America. That's the United States of America. That is why our people are called Americans, not USians.

If Brazil was called America, its people would be called Americans, not Brazilians as they are now.

The adjective is always taken from the name of the country:
Great Britain=British
Russia=Russian
France=French
Israel=Israelis
Jordan=Jordanian (arab is an ethnicity, not necessarily a race)
Saudi Arabia=Saudi
Mexico=Mexican
Nicaragua=Nicaraguan
Canada=Canadian
Cuba=Cuban
Haiti=Haitian
China=Chinese
Japan=Japanese
Korea=Korean
Brazil=Brazilian
Argentina=Argentine
South Africa=South African
Egypt=Egyptian
Nigeria=Nigerian
Liberia= Liberian
Sudan=Sudanese

Hence United States of America= American

There are continents in this world, and we have given these names. From those names we derive adjectives to describe the people that live there.

Western Europe = Europians
Eastern Europe = Europians
South East Asia = Asians
North Africa = Africans
West Africa = Africans

etc.

Hence
South America = Americans
North America = Americans
Central America = Americans

Now which takes priority. The continent ofd the nation. Well there is one other nation which sharews its name with a continent. The Republic of South Africa. What do we call the inhabitants of this country? Africans? No. (Except that they are inhabitants of the countinent) We cal then South Africans. Thus we should call the citizens of the United States of America, United States of Americans. Just because you decide to abbreviate the name of your nation does not give you the right to claim the continental adjective as referring only to citizens of your country.
Now I find United States of American to be a little cumbersome, so I chose to abbreviate this as USian. After all you do not object to the United States of America being abbreviated to the US. Suddenly, however, people who accept the nation being caled the US start to object to being described as a USian. So I am asking them what they would prefer that I use, but I will not use American as that is wrong.

If the rest of Sweden is anything like you, I have lots of other names I'd love to call them besides any they might prefer. :D

Not a single one of them in Swedish, I would assume, just as my moniker for you won't be in the USian English dialect.

ROFLMAO! Get this through your head: we were called Americans long before most of the other countries on this continent were more than scattered villages. It's the name we prefer to be known by. We've used it far longer than anyone else. WTF is wrong with calling us by the name we've chosen and used for generations?
Erm... you need to get some facts straight, starting by the history of this continent.

You could just sidestep the issue by using our state citizenship instead. Though that probably wouldn't work if you wanted to all lump everyone in the country together in some huge generalization.

Plus he would have to take the time to get to know Americans and find out where there're from instead of just making cracks about how we "stole" the name Americans from everyone else.

What ... EVER! :rolleyes:

I rest my case. You cannot defend your hypocrisy, as you seem blinded to see its forest for the trees.

Which is probably what was intended by those who use the degrogatory term they use in place of the correct "American." ( shrug )

How is it derogatory? Explain that to me.

@ SB

You-essian OK

Here I am. The one who supposedly insulted you.

Here is where I supposedly insulted you:
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10847855&postcount=11

Allow me to clarify once more:
I did not mean to be insulting. If you feel offended by something I wrote, I have no control over that. Only you do.
In all fairness, perhaps you did not intend to insult. It is, in actuality, a rather minor insult to call someone by a term they lothe and do not recognize, but an insult nevertheless. Wouldn't common courtesy dictate that you refer to a people by their chosen name??

I see. And the topic of which continent Canada is on comes up alot for you? Perhaps when you tell people you're Canadian they assume you're from one of those other Canadas in Asia, Africa, or Antarctica?
It generally comes up in the issue of solidarity, in particular among First Nations people, who span both our countries, but also quite often among the aboriginal people of all the Americas. I'm also familiar with the term because of Spanish, but for me, it's mostly about the relationship native people on this continent have with one another.

I always avoid the term 'American'. I'll use 'US citizen', or 'people from the USA', because the term American is used in a much broader sense in many fields, including education. If I were to write a course using the term 'American' to mean 'citizens of the USA', I'd have to change it. It's too imprecise.

Kinda goin around in circles here. Why not just call them Americans. I mean, bloody hell.

From the way I have seen people write/say it is to be pronounced, it just sounds stupid. About it being insulting.. the word itself isn't insulting to me. Would depend on how it was being used... any word can be insulting if it's meant in an insulting way. If I had to choose another name I'd prefer United Statesman over this, until I came up with something better or someone else came up with something better. Until I die and no matter where I may move to .. I will always be American.

When someone outside the U.S. asks where I'm from tho, I do say the United States, not America.

How is it derogatory? Explain that to me.
WTF, over??? How many times must I explain this???

It ... is ... not ... the ... name ... by ... which ... Americans ... choose ... to ... be ... called!

HELLO????

Guys, are we at like, 90 posts?

Do people have major issues with calling the citizens of the United States of American as "Americans"?

More major than I could even guess...:rolleyes:

Ahhhhhhh. I had not encountered anybody from Canada or Mexico who refered to themselves as "American" the way a French person might also identify as "European." I wasn't aware they did this. Many latinos actually do, though it's generally in a political context.

Wouldn't you then be a "North American," though? I mean, "American" could really encompass TWO continents, so using "American" as your continental identity would be like a French person saying they are "Eurasian" or something.
North American? So what...I live in Montana or something?:p

Kinda goin around in circles here. Why not just call them Americans. I mean, bloody hell.

Because there are 600 million other people that the term American describes.

Oh well, if it's found offensive I guess i'll just have to keep calling them yanks.

WTF, over??? How many times must I explain this???

It ... is ... not ... the ... name ... by ... which ... Americans ... choose ... to ... be ... called!

HELLO????

Neither is "Swede" for svenskar. You don't see us getting a hissy fit over it.

It ... is ... not ... the ... name ... by ... which ... Americans ... choose ... to ... be ... called!

That's true. They prefer to be called Brazilians, Columbians, Argentinians, Canadians ...

I see...we're going to need theme music.

That's okay. John Phillip Sousa wrote a ton of stuff already.

More problematic is the constume. At first, I was thinking along the lines of something like Captain America, but on second thoughts that's really far to 70s.

Something futuristic, with cool shades (like the x-men movie), would be the ticket I think.

Also, we'll all need special rocket cars, and a secret identity.

I rest my case. You cannot defend your hypocrisy, as you seem blinded to see its forest for the trees.
Unwarranted conclusion based on personal assumptions.

I am an American, but I do not live in the USA. What gives you the right to steal this term? If you don't like the term USian then suggest a term that refers only to the citizens of the USA and not to the population of two entire continents (or three depending on how you divide continents).

"Stealing" the term sounds like we're suddenly starting to use it all of a sudden. Around the world, for the past 200 or so years, when you say 'American' to just about anyone, they immediately know you're talking about someone from the US. If you are from Argentina, you are an Argentinean. If you are from Brazil, you are Brazilian.

Now, if someone is referring to the continent as a whole, the term would be "North Americans" or "South Americans" or else the term "Americans" is used AFTER establishing that the speaker is using it to include the peoples of all countries in the American continents.

It still doesn't make it any less accurate to describe people from the United States of America as Americans. It might be different if the 'common' term for a society/race/country was derogatory, as in the case of the word Negro, which simply means 'black' and took nothing but skin color into account, or inaccurate, as in the case of calling Native Americans (again, people who were native to the continents), "Indians". Only people from India should be referred to as Indians, but because of a mix-up and a misunderstanding, the first European explorers thought they had reached the West Indies, and so called the people they met "Indians".

...I guess that in the end, I'm just saying, why should it be changed? It's not derogatory. It IS accurate. If you don't live in the US but you live in a country located somewhere in North or South America, you already have a separate word that defines where you are from, so the term doesn't cause confusion that way.

Of course, use whatever term you like, but be prepared to have to explain what you mean each time you use it. My first impression of USians was that it was some weird new term that referred to Asians living in the US; I'd never heard it before and I needed to read the whole first post before I understood what anyone was talking about.

/my two cents

Oh well, if it's found offensive I guess i'll just have to keep calling them yanks.

Or colonials.

Until I die and no matter where I may move to .. I will always be American.
So will I! Yay!

*howls*:D
No problem, I'll set you straight in a jiffy! My national identity is Canadian, and my continental identity is American, or North American if you want me to be specific.

*sits primly back down*
Well, see, so that's kind of what I was getting at...I think it would be misleading of you to say that your continental identity is "American," because that assumes that "American" refers only to the North American continent. What about South America? By claiming that "American" refers to YOUR continent only, you would be over-reaching in much the same way you accuse others of doing.

And if "American" refers to anybody from the North or South American continents, then it really isn't a "continental" identity at all, is it? It would pretty much be a synonym for "Person from the western hemisphere." In that case, I generally hear people just say they are "Western" or "a Westerner."

That's true. They prefer to be called Brazilians, Columbians, Argentinians, Canadians ...
Then what's wrong with calling US by our correct name, eh??? :rolleyes:

The germans have never said "lets be called germans." They dont call their country "germany."

"French" is not French for "French."

Japan isnt called Japan, its called Nihon.

China isnt called China, its called zhong guo.

The basques arent called "basques," they are called "euskera."

The Gypsies arent called gypsies, they are called "romani."

I assume you already knew all of these, and all the rest, and take careful note "that you call people by the name they have chosen and used for generations."


The problem with "USian" is that it isnt english, not that it is insulting or unprecedented.

It seems like a literal translation of "estadounidense" to me. Works in spanish, doesnt work in english.

But hey, I'm just a linguist.

What about Iran. English speaking countries used to call them Persia, but they asked everyone to change that to Iran, and we all did.

Do people have major issues with calling the citizens of the United States of American as "Americans"?

Not really. Most people I know just don't do it. The ones I know who do are US citizens :rolleyes:

You could just sidestep the issue by using our state citizenship instead. Though that probably wouldn't work if you wanted to all lump everyone in the country together in some huge generalization.
Yeah...that could get cumbersome.

I'm fine with using a longer version of USian. I have no problem with referring to you as a citizen of the USA. As long as you don't object to having to read a few more words, it shouldn't be a problem for you if I don't call you an American.:D

In all fairness, perhaps you did not intend to insult. It is, in actuality, a rather minor insult to call someone by a term they lothe and do not recognize, but an insult nevertheless. Wouldn't common courtesy dictate that you refer to a people by their chosen name??

I'll remember this the next time somebody from across the pond uses "English" incorrectly.

Unwarranted conclusion based on personal assumptions.

I can read what you write. You claim it is uncourteous of me to not call you "American," but somehow you claim that is not uncourteous of you to refuse to call people "American." It's hypocrisy of, well, USian proportions and obviousness.

Because there are 600 million other people that the term American describes.

Are European Union citizens Europeans?

In all fairness, perhaps you did not intend to insult. It is, in actuality, a rather minor insult to call someone by a term they lothe and do not recognize, but an insult nevertheless. Wouldn't common courtesy dictate that you refer to a people by their chosen name??

Well, thank you for replying to me.

The problem, for me, is this:

I choose to call myself American, though I am not a citizen of the USA. So, by your understanding of courtesy, you should call me American, and I should call you American. Can you see how this would be confusing? Therefore, I refer to US citizens as USians, for reasons of clarity, not as an insult.

North American? So what...I live in Montana or something?:p
The name of your continent is "North America," not "America." There is another continent called South America.

You appear to think it would be confusing for people to use the full name of your continent to describe your continental identity. I think it would be confusing for you to expect people to assume that "American" refers to "any person living in the North American continent, but not the South American continent."

-snip- Around the world, for the past 200 or so years, when you say 'American' to just about anyone, they immediately know you're talking about someone from the US. -snip-

Yep

Then what's wrong with calling US by our correct name, eh??? :rolleyes:
But I do. I call you "US American".

I'm fine with using a longer version of USian. I have no problem with referring to you as a citizen of the USA. As long as you don't object to having to read a few more words, it shouldn't be a problem for you if I don't call you an American.:D

Actually, by state citizenship, I was asking you to call me a New Yorker.

But I do. I call you "US American".
Well there you go!

How about USAmerican? It's got the trendy combination of capital letters and lower case letters, but with the bonus inclusion of the "-merican" suffix that we all seem to be so concerned about!

Because there are 600 million other people that the term American describes.

Yeah... if you are completely and totally unable to discern something from context.

"Americans are dumb." I've never seen this refer to Brazilians.

"America is a stupid nation with a stupid president." Gee, could they be referring to Guatamala?

"America should stay out of the Middle East." Damn that Mexico!

People who use "USian" are apparently unable to tell the difference between a continent and a nation. Apparently having one word with several meanings is too complex for you.

In all fairness, perhaps you did not intend to insult. It is, in actuality, a rather minor insult to call someone by a term they lothe and do not recognize, but an insult nevertheless. Wouldn't common courtesy dictate that you refer to a people by their chosen name??
As has been pointed out, you yourself do not do others this common courtesy, else you would not refer to people as 'French, German, Japanese' etc.

I demand that you now and forever refer to me as Nehiyaw, as that is my people's name for ourselves. Better brush up on the names of everyone else before I call you 'American'.

That's okay. John Phillip Sousa wrote a ton of stuff already.

More problematic is the constume. At first, I was thinking along the lines of something like Captain America, but on second thoughts that's really far to 70s.

Something futuristic, with cool shades (like the x-men movie), would be the ticket I think.

Also, we'll all need special rocket cars, and a secret identity.

Those would be flying special rocket cars, I hope.

Are European Union citizens Europeans?

Yes, but so are people who are not citizens of the EU who live in countries situated in Europe. Or would you claim Norwegians are not Europeans?

Oh well, if it's found offensive I guess i'll just have to keep calling them yanks.
See, and I avoid that term because I believe it's offensive.

USian or yank?

USian is much nicer.

Are European Union citizens Europeans?

No they're EUians!

Hooray for goofy sounding acronyms combined with normal suffixes!

No they're EUians!

Hooray for goofy sounding acronyms combined with normal suffixes!

But they are.

Are European Union citizens Europeans?
Yes. But Europeans are not necessarily citizens of the EU.

That's true. They prefer to be called Brazilians, Columbians, Argentinians, Canadians ...
(AB, is Brazilian the same in Portuguese as in Spanish?) Anyway, it's more like Brasileños, Columbianos, Argentinos and Canadians...

That's okay. John Phillip Sousa wrote a ton of stuff already.

More problematic is the constume. At first, I was thinking along the lines of something like Captain America, but on second thoughts that's really far to 70s.

Something futuristic, with cool shades (like the x-men movie), would be the ticket I think.

Also, we'll all need special rocket cars, and a secret identity.

I think the only possible theme song would be "America... Fuck Yeah!" from Team America: World Police.

Actually, by state citizenship, I was asking you to call me a New Yorker.

I generally refer to myself as a Michigander, and when I'm overseas (which hasn't been much for a few years) I say I'm from Michigan.

WTF, over??? How many times must I explain this???

It ... is ... not ... the ... name ... by ... which ... Americans ... choose ... to ... be ... called!

HELLO????


WTF, over???


You arent in the business of calling people by the names they ... choose ... to be called either, Eutrusca.

"chinese" isnt correct, "japanese" is insulting, according to you. God save all the poor indians, this brutal "not being called what they choose" must be killing them.

Start calling german people deutschen. TODAY.

The ... Plank ... in ... Thine ... Own ... Eye!

@ Chocobo Goddess

Essentially you are asking what is the problem with using 'American" for the limited population of the USnited States of America.

Well, if I want to refer to some common feature of all of the peoples of the Americas I can not simply use the term American in the same way that I could use Asian or European.

If I say "the American perspective on" it is understod I am referring to just the USA perspective. So how should I say this when I want to refer to all of the Americas?

The point is that it is inaccurate to use the term American for just one subset of Americans. As such I use another term that has become more popular recently.

Then I discover that some people feel offended by this. How and why, I do not understand, but they do. So I decided to investigate the extent of this offense. (So far it seems that chocolate hobnobs is a more popular response to USian than being offended.)

As a resident in another country in the Americas I have a problem describing citizens of the USA as Americans. There were, in 2000 some 831 million people living in the Americas. Why should the adjective American be reserved for only 282 million of these. That is wrong. It would be like claiming that the adjective European can only be used to describe Germans.
They are the United States of America, not the United States of the Americas. They are American because it is a part of their nation's name.

Yeah...that could get cumbersome.

I'm fine with using a longer version of USian. I have no problem with referring to you as a citizen of the USA. As long as you don't object to having to read a few more words, it shouldn't be a problem for you if I don't call you an American.:D

Other than that pesky little thing called reality (since I am an American) yeah that'll be fine.

That's the problem. The country's name was picked by a committee, and they chose the least imaginative name they could come up with.

"So, what are we going to call this?"
"Well, we are a bunch of independent provinces."
"Oh, we could call those states!"
"Ok, Bunch of States. That doesn't sound too good."
"We are all together, why don't we say 'United'?"
"Sure, that sounds good. United States."
"Since we are also in America, why don't we say 'of America'? You know, so people don't think we are still British."
"Ok, United States of America. Done!"
That's a simplification but I don't think it exactly went like that.
Before we were independent we were colonies of Britain and referred to as colonists.
The colonies themselves were collectively referred to as the American colonies.
When we became independent, we were a bunch of seperate states on the North American continent. The Confederation didn't work so we adopted a constitutution the title of which was "The Constitution of the United States of America".
Why?
Because the states had dumped their own seperate national goverments in favor of one government to oversee all of them. Hence the part that is "United States". America came in because these states were located in North America. Hence the name "United States of America" and the adjective "american" which is almost always used to refer to people from the United States. Especially at international conferences.
Even in Latin America, Americans from the United States have historically been referred to as "Americanos".
We should also bear in mind that at the time there was Mexico, not Brazil, no Argintina. Those countries didn't spring until decades later. The second nation to spring up in the Americas being Mexico of course.
Therefore, when the USA was named, it included all the states that before the Constitution were independent states. All these independent states, that composed the only nations in the America's at that time, got together to form one nation: The United States of AMERICA.
That is why we are called Americans. The adjective stuck even after the countries came into being. It's a throwback from the time when the only nations on this double continent, as you call it, got together to make one super big super nation which ended up being the only nation in the America's for awhile, again until Mexico seceded from Spain.

If you want to call us "USians" go ahead, but I believe most people will think you are ignorant and backward. It doesn't bother me though, just makes me think you need more education. ;)

All this enthusiasm over nomenclature, yet the substance in the root purpose of this thread goes unanswered. Why are USAmericans loud and cocky in Australia.

Alas, a lost cause...:D

There are continents in this world, and we have given these names. From those names we derive adjectives to describe the people that live there.

Western Europe = Europians
Eastern Europe = Europians
South East Asia = Asians
North Africa = Africans
West Africa = Africans


EuropEans, not EuropIans. /nitpick



Hence
South America = Americans
North America = Americans
Central America = Americans



South America = South Americans
North America = North Americans
Central America = Central Americans

I have never, ever heard people from any part of the world EXCEPT the US referred to as simply 'Americans', with the one exception of a speaker who noted at the beginning of her speech that she was using the term "Americans" to describe all people in the North, Central, and South American continents--and even then, the lecture was about physical aspects of the terrain and how it affected the people living there, and it had nothing to do with their nationality or ethnicity.

(AB, is Brazilian the same in Portuguese as in Spanish?) Anyway, it's more like Brasileños, Columbianos, Argentinos and Canadians...

You forgot "canadiens!" Shame on you.

By claiming that "American" refers to YOUR continent only, you would be over-reaching in much the same way you accuse others of doing.

Well that all depends on how you divide up the continents. The Americas, North, South (possible Central for some) are still all part of the Americas, period.

I generally refer to myself as a Michigander, and when I'm overseas (which hasn't been much for a few years) I say I'm from Michigan.
My cousin from Michigan tells me she is "Mish-i-gain-ian." I tell her she is "Mish-ih-GO-nian." Mostly because it makes her mad. :)

(AB, is Brazilian the same in Portuguese as in Spanish?) Anyway, it's more like Brasileños, Columbianos, Argentinos and Canadians...
No it is not. It is Brasileiros so: Brasileiros, Columbianos, Argentinos and/y/e Canadians..

Yes. But Europeans are not necessarily citizens of the EU.

It's a similar problem.

You can be a European (Irish or UK), and not from Europe. So if you refer to yourself as european by dint of the EU citizenship, that's depriving European who are not from the EU, switzerland norway, the rightful use of the term.

So it's either EUians, when refering to citizens of the EU, or, accept that some words in english can have more than one meaning.

The name of your continent is "North America," not "America." There is another continent called South America.
The name of the continent is America. It is divided in North America and South America. The reason it is so is because it was discovered long before people knew about plate techtonics and such. It was also named long before maps accurately reflected how thin the isthmus of Panama really is. Plus, there is really no good definition of what a continent is.

The name came into popular use in the 16th century.

(AB, is Brazilian the same in Portuguese as in Spanish?) Anyway, it's more like Brasileños, Columbianos, Argentinos and Canadians...
I was assuming an english conversation, as we've got here. It's clear that in a conversation in their national language, they'll call themselves Br... (dunno), Columbianos, Argentinos and Canadians.
In an english conversation, I'm a swiss.
In a german conversation I'm ein Schweizer.
In a french conversation, I'm un suisse.
etc.

Well that all depends on how you divide up the continents. The Americas, North, South (possible Central for some) are still all part of the Americas, period.
But you said that the reason you are "American" is because it is your continental identity. "America" is not a continent.

..."America is a stupid nation with a stupid president." Gee, could they be referring to Guatamala?...

No that refers to Argentina. Which was ruled by a corrupt dictatorship because its people didn't have the balls to fight. But hey, that's there business.

Actually, by state citizenship, I was asking you to call me a New Yorker.
No, I get that, but if I needed to refer to the citizens of your entire country, it would be cumbersome to name all the states. So. Citizens of the USA you shall be!

The name of the continent is America.
Um...no. North and South America are two different continents, just like Europe and Africa are different continents. North and South American have similar names because of how the "discovery" of these continents worked, but they have not been one continent for many millions of years.

You can be a European (Irish or UK), and not from Europe.

Great Britain and Ireland are in Europe. Irish and UK people are from Europe. They are Europeans. Or would you claim Japan is not in Asia? Madagascar not in Africa? Any island not part of any continent?

Those would be flying special rocket cars, I hope.

Oh yeah. With laser beams and stuff.

It's going to rock.

Great Britain and Ireland are in Europe. Irish and UK people are from Europe. They are Europeans.

Great Britian and Ireland are not geographically in Europe. They are politically part of Europe.

Link (http://www.oup.com/oald-bin/web_getald7index1a.pl)

United Statesman english also shares this distinction.

Other than that pesky little thing called reality (since I am an American) yeah that'll be fine.
And you aren't also a citizen of the USA? Seems real enough to me. You'll be fine. I promise you won't lose your identity.

"American" is a nationality AND a continental identity.

Imagine if France had instead named itself 'Europe'.

If France had named itself The French State(or something) of Europe you mean, and called themselves European. That is the comparison to the United States of America calling themselves American.

No, I get that, but if I needed to refer to the citizens of your entire country, it would be cumbersome to name all the states. So. Citizens of the USA you shall be!

And perhaps we could get rid of that mind boggling tendency people have (in English) to refer to the United States in the singular.

Great Britian and Ireland are not geographically in Europe. They are politically part of Europe.

What continent are they one then?

If you want to call us "USians" go ahead, but I believe most people will think you are ignorant and backward. It doesn't bother me though, just makes me think you need more education. ;)
Well, millions of Spanish speakers who refer to you as estadounidenses (Usians) aren't going to suddenly stop doing it just because you insist on the term 'American'.

What continent are they one then?

They float around on their own little tectonic plate, of course.

I have never, ever heard people from any part of the world EXCEPT the US referred to as simply 'Americans'
That's likely because you do not speak Spanish or Portuguese.

English is a minority language in the Americas.

If France had named itself The French State(or something) of Europe you mean, and called themselves European. That is the comparison to the United States of America calling themselves American.
No, they are American as a shortened form of "the United States of America".

Great Britian and Ireland are not geographically in Europe. They are politically part of Europe.

They are geographically part of Europe. Just like Sicily. Just like Sardinia. Just like Åland. Just like Odense. Just like Japan is geographically part of Asia. Just like Madagascar is geographically part of Africa.

They float around on their own little tectonic plate, of course.Like Hawaii. I must remember that it's not actually really part of the USA.

You forgot "canadiens!" Shame on you.
I was being anglocentric, you are correct. Hence forth, we shall be known as the Canadians/Canadiens, for clarity. You shall all refer to us in our two official languages!

And perhaps we could get rid of that mind boggling tendency people have (in English) to refer to the United States in the singular.
:rolleyes:

No, they are American as a shortened form of "the United States of America".


And France would be Europeans as short for "The French (whatever) of Europe". I was making a hypothetical comparison to The United States of America.

But you said that the reason you are "American" is because it is your continental identity. "America" is not a continent.
What definition of continent are you using?

Great Britian and Ireland are not geographically in Europe. They are politically part of Europe.

Link (http://www.oup.com/oald-bin/web_getald7index1a.pl)

United Statesman english also shares this distinction.

Link does not work. This one does:

http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/uk.html

The second half witnessed the dismantling of the Empire and the UK rebuilding itself into a modern and prosperous European nation.

What continent are they one then?

I don't know. Why do they have to be on a continent. They are islands. Especially Ireland.

And what about people on greenland. Surely you're not going to say that they are part of continental europe.

I am philosophizing on why this thread is increasing at like 10 posts per minute. Maybe there some deeper issues that people have with USAmericans to have to debate the way they call themselves for hours.

Maybe it is not too far away from the initial issue of loud USAmericans in Australia...:rolleyes:

When ever I travel the world and I'm asked where I'm from I say the United States. Most of the time the askers then say "oh you are an American". I'm sorry if history has set this notion but that's the way it is right or wrong.

We all just need to grow up a little and stop worring about words. Let actions determine who we as individuals are.

No, they are American as a shortened form of "the United States of America".

So USian is just another shortened form of "the United States of America" and one that disambiguates from the continent. But Eutrusca finds it offensive. What I am still trying to find out is why.

And perhaps we could get rid of that mind boggling tendency people have (in English) to refer to the United States in the singular.
? Can you give me an example?

I am philosophizing on why this thread is increasing at like 10 posts per minute. Maybe there some deeper issues that people have with USAmericans to have to debate the way they call themselves for hours.

Maybe it is not too far away from the initial issue of loud USAmericans in Australia...:rolleyes:

(you got it. ;) )

And France would be Europeans as short for "The French (whatever) of Europe". I was making a hypothetical comparison to The United States of America.
My bad. We stand united in our assertions.

And what about people on greenland. Surely you're not going to say that they are part of continental europe.

I was always told they were part of America

What definition of continent are you using?
Erm, the one from geography classes. I was taught that there are 7 continents (North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, Antarctica) and that's what my 2003 encyclopedia still says.

I was being aglocentric, you are correct. Hence forth, we shall be known as the Canadians/Canadiens, for clarity. You shall all refer to us in our two official languages!

No, we should talk to you in French and in English at all times./Non, nous devrions vous parler en Francais et en Anglais tout le temps.

There are continents in this world, and we have given these names. From those names we derive adjectives to describe the people that live there.

Western Europe = Europians
Eastern Europe = Europians
South East Asia = Asians
North Africa = Africans
West Africa = Africans

etc.

Hence
South America = Americans
North America = Americans
Central America = Americans

Now which takes priority. The continent ofd the nation. Well there is one other nation which sharews its name with a continent. The Republic of South Africa. What do we call the inhabitants of this country? Africans? No. (Except that they are inhabitants of the countinent) We cal then South Africans. Thus we should call the citizens of the United States of America, United States of Americans. Just because you decide to abbreviate the name of your nation does not give you the right to claim the continental adjective as referring only to citizens of your country.
Now I find United States of American to be a little cumbersome, so I chose to abbreviate this as USian. After all you do not object to the United States of America being abbreviated to the US. Suddenly, however, people who accept the nation being caled the US start to object to being described as a USian. So I am asking them what they would prefer that I use, but I will not use American as that is wrong.

The thing is that the name of the nation takes priority over the name of the continent. In most circles, the USA is referred to simply as America. Hence American most of the time means someone is from the USA.

But you said that the reason you are "American" is because it is your continental identity. "America" is not a continent.
Depends on what you learned were the different continents.

There is no general acceptance on what they are. Some say there is 5 of them, some say 6, 7 or 8.

Some say Europe and Asia are two continents, other claims that eurasia is only one continent. The USAmericans/USians/Americans/pygmy ofr all I care learns that North and South america are two different continents. Some learn that north, south and central America is only one big giant continent. The only consensus seems to come from antartica and what we call oceania.

Oh and to add to the sillyness, I insist to be called Canadien. I'm a french speaking canadian so I refer to myself as Canadien. Quebecois is also acceptable, although it is merely my province and not my country... yet.

And perhaps we could get rid of that mind boggling tendency people have (in English) to refer to the United States in the singular.
Actually, that gramatical change has some fairly significant underpinnings.

Before the American Civil War, it was said that "The United States are..." After the Civil War, it became "The United States is..." Some people feel that this came about as a reflection of the victory of the Union during the war, signifying that the USA was now to be recognized as a single, unified nation rather than a loose confederation of individual states.

I'm not saying it's necessarily right, just that it's kind of a neat bit of historical trivia.

Oh and to add to the sillyness, I insist to be called Canadien. I'm a french speaking canadian so I refer to myself as Canadien. Quebecois is also acceptable, although it is merely my province and not my country... yet.

Vive le Québec libre!

No, we should talk to you in French and in English at all times./Non, nous devrions vous parler en Francais et en Anglais tout le temps.
Hey, if cereal boxes have to do it...

No, we should talk to you in French and in English at all times./Non, nous devrions vous parler en Francais et en Anglais tout le temps.
Are you supposed to capitalise languages? I can't remember, personally.

Link does not work. This one does:

http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/uk.html

Type in Europe.

Try this also. Link (http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/Europe)

The second half witnessed the dismantling of the Empire and the UK rebuilding itself into a modern and prosperous European nation.

Yes, politically it is part of Europe. Politically. Just like American Samoa is politically part of america. Yet geographically distinct.

? Can you give me an example?

When people say things like "The United States does something" instead of "The United States do something"

Conjugating the verb as singular instead of plural. Or using singular pronouns, like "it" instead of "they".

Just a pet peeve.

(you got it. ;) )

Oh my. This is the thanks that USAmericans get for saving the World time and time again. Having non-USAmericans debate the legitimacy of their own name for hours.

And the protest is the loudest from their fellow Continental Americans! :D

I was always told they were part of America

But the people living on greenland are not americans are they?

The thing is that the name of the nation takes priority over the name of the continent. In most circles, the USA is referred to simply as America. Hence American most of the time means someone is from the USA.
Well, the other thing is that (at least in America) we are taught that North and South America are two separate continents, while North and West Africa (for example) are regions on the same continent. Likewise, Eastern and Western Europe are described as being regions on the same continent.

Perhaps that is the stumbling block. If other areas of the world teach that North and South America are one big continent, then that's probably a major source of the confusion. :)

When people say things like "The United States does something" instead of "The United States do something"

Conjugating the verb as singular instead of plural. Or using singular pronouns, like "it" instead of "they".

Just a pet peeve.
Well, I'm not certain you'd find consensus on the USA being singular or plural.

The thing is that the name of the nation takes priority over the name of the continent. In most circles, the USA is referred to simply as America. Hence American most of the time means someone is from the USA.

So someone from South Africa can be called an African as their national adjective huh? Wrong.
American, most of the the time should refer to people living in the Americas but not in the USA. Only roughly one third of the time should it refer to the USA citizen, and then not as being specifically such a citizen, but as being resident on the continent.

Spin off of a spin off.

Is the term USian insulting?

It appears that some members of that nation that is a union of states in the Americas (actually only one of many considering the number of federations in the Americas) that is commonly called the USA are objecting to being called USians. They find it insulting apparently (at least one does)

As a resident in another country in the Americas I have a problem describing citizens of the USA as Americans. There were, in 2000 some 831 million people living in the Americas. Why should the adjective American be reserved for only 282 million of these. That is wrong. It would be like claiming that the adjective European can only be used to describe Germans.

So what should the citizens of the USA be called if they do not like the term USian?

Maybe you should be called RFians? República Federativa do Brasil? If citizens United States of America are called USians.

How to call an different nationalities? Simple - Just ask them!

But the people living on greenland are not americans are they?
Yes. They are also Danes, for that matter.

That's a simplification but I don't think it exactly went like that.
I don't think it went like that either, but it makes for a humorous illustration :)

The colonies themselves were collectively referred to as the American colonies.
Ah, but that was not exclusive of the British colonies. The Spanish and Portuguese colonies were also known as American colonies. And the people in those colonies called themselves Americans.

Even in Latin America, Americans from the United States have historically been referred to as "Americanos".
Or estadounidenses, especially when clarification would be needed.

We should also bear in mind that at the time there was Mexico, not Brazil, no Argintina. Those countries didn't spring until decades later. The second nation to spring up in the Americas being Mexico of course.
But there were Americans, even if no Brazil, Venezuela, etc. were there, there were had been Americans since long before 1776.

The second independent nation in America was Haiti. Mexico was amongst the first of the Spanish colonies to begin an independence movement but took a long time to achieve it.

If you want to call us "USians" go ahead, but I believe most people will think you are ignorant and backward. It doesn't bother me though, just makes me think you need more education. ;)
Nah, I just call them 'people of the US', or something like that.

But the people living on greenland are not americans are they?

They are Greenlanders I think. :confused:

Well, the other thing is that (at least in USAmerica) we are taught that North and South America are two separate continents, while North and West Africa (for example) are regions on the same continent. Likewise, Eastern and Western Europe are described as being regions on the same continent.

Perhaps that is the stumbling block. If other areas of the world teach that North and South America are one big continent, then that's probably a major source of the confusion. :)
Bold: correction.

and yes, other area, even in the americas refer to both north and south as one continent.

Type in Europe.

Try this also. Link (http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/Europe)

http://kronos.minenv.gr/emwis/_derived/Europe-Satellite-02.jpg

The UK is geographically part of Europe. Just like Åland. Just like Odense. Just like Sardinia. Just like Sicily.

Yes, politically it is part of Europe. Politically. Just like American Samoa is politically part of america. Yet geographically distinct.

Samoa is geographically Oceanian. The UK is geographically part of Europe.

So USian is just another shortened form of "the United States of America" and one that disambiguates from the continent. But Eutrusca finds it offensive. What I am still trying to find out is why.
Probably should ask him that. :D

But I would guess because it's awkward and silly.

They float around on their own little tectonic plate, of course.

Well we could use that. Which means that there is no such thing as Europe, and the arabian peninsula is part of australia.

Lets see,

The correct name for calling people from the continents in English:

Europe is european
Africa is african
Asia is asian
South America is south american
North America is north american

now shouldn't the people of the Americas be called americasian rather than american as american is modified from America (not Americas). The same as you would call the people of Eurasia eurasian.

Now usually in english we don't refer to any groups of people above continent level (geographically speaking). The only exception being Westener that I can think.

This doesn't help with why people from the US are called american except that is what they call themselves.

Now which takes priority. The continent ofd the nation. Well there is one other nation which sharews its name with a continent. The Republic of South Africa. What do we call the inhabitants of this country? Africans? No. (Except that they are inhabitants of the countinent) We cal then South Africans. Thus we should call the citizens of the United States of America, United States of Americans. Just because you decide to abbreviate the name of your nation does not give you the right to claim the continental adjective as referring only to citizens of your country.
Now I find United States of American to be a little cumbersome, so I chose to abbreviate this as USian. After all you do not object to the United States of America being abbreviated to the US. Suddenly, however, people who accept the nation being caled the US start to object to being described as a USian. So I am asking them what they would prefer that I use, but I will not use American as that is wrong.

By your own logic we should call people from the Republic of South Africa 'Republic of South Africans'. The very fact we call them South Africans actually supports calling citizens of the United States of America 'Americans'.

Um...no. North and South America are two different continents, just like Europe and Africa are different continents. North and South American have similar names because of how the "discovery" of these continents worked, but they have not been one continent for many millions of years.
Europe and Asia are in the same continent then, while India is not in Asia, but is in the same continent as Australia.

Would you refer to them as Eurasians and Indo-Australians?

Are you supposed to capitalise languages? I can't remember, personally.

Not in French. I was using mock Québecois.

They are Greenlanders I think. :confused:

And being danish, they would also be European.

Oh and to add to the sillyness, I insist to be called Canadien. I'm a french speaking canadian so I refer to myself as Canadien. Quebecois is also acceptable, although it is merely my province and not my country... yet.
See, that's what I think is marvelous about our country. I would refer to my self as "Canadian" and in the same breath think nothing unusual about you referring to yourself as "Canadien."

Not in French. I was using mock Québecois.
ok :).

Well, I'm not certain you'd find consensus on the USA being singular or plural.

In a gramatically (and politically, IMO) correct world they would be plural. But, as Bottle noted, the singular usage of the term is for political purposes. Damnable 145 year old newspeak!

Originally Posted by Lacadaemon
But the people living on greenland are not americans are they

People on Greenland have Nordic (Danish) origine, but over time they have becomed Greenlanders. Of corse this does't include eskimos.

How to call an different nationalities? Simple - Just ask them!
That's what I don't get about this thread.

When I am going to refer to another person's nationality, I ask them what term they prefer. I don't tell them that I am going to use a term for their nationality whether they like it or not. I don't yell at them for choosing a term I don't like. If I am confused by the term they use, I ask them about it and use it as an opportunity to learn more about them.

If citizens of the United States of America would like to be called "Americans," why don't you just call them that? If you use "USian," and an American asks you to please refer to them as "American" instead, why not just do it? It's only polite.

If an American refers to you as "European" and you wish to be called "British," just say so. If an American refers to you as "European" and you feel the need to clarify that Canada is not, in fact, a part of Europe, then go right ahead! (Our school systems aren't doing so hot right now, so have patience with us.)

It's kind of like common nick names. Lots of people who are named "Katherine" go by "Kate," but when I meet somebody named "Katherine" I first ask them if they go by something else. I don't just assume they want to be called "Kate." And I certainly don't continue calling them "Kate" after they tell me that they prefer "Kat" or "Trina." I would never think of yelling at them for picking the "wrong" nickname. I wouldn't insist that only "Catherine" can be abreviated with "Cat," or that "Trina" is only an acceptable nickname for "Katrina."

Of corse this does't include eskimos.
You mean Inuit?

You mean Inuit?

Yeah

I would never think of yelling at them for picking the "wrong" nickname. I wouldn't insist that only "Catherine" can be abreviated with "Cat," or that "Trina" is only an acceptable nickname for "Katrina."
Alright. I insist you call me Princess Banana Hammock, and you shall refer to my nationality as 'Goddessian'.

You mean Inuit?
Arf.

http://kronos.minenv.gr/emwis/_derived/Europe-Satellite-02.jpg

The UK is geographically part of Europe. Just like Åland. Just like Odense. Just like Sardinia. Just like Sicily.

Yet both United Statesman and UK (oxford press) dictionaries have definitions that demur, and state otherwise.

Samoa is geographically Oceanian.

Yet politically it is part of the americas.

And being danish, they would also be European.

That doesn't make the landmass European though. Just the inhabitants with European ancestry.

Depends on what you learned were the different continents.

There is no general acceptance on what they are. Some say there is 5 of them, some say 6, 7 or 8.

Some say Europe and Asia are two continents, other claims that eurasia is only one continent. The USAmericans/USians/Americans/pygmy ofr all I care learns that North and South america are two different continents. Some learn that north, south and central America is only one big giant continent. The only consensus seems to come from antartica and what we call oceania.

Oh and to add to the sillyness, I insist to be called Canadien. I'm a french speaking canadian so I refer to myself as Canadien. Quebecois is also acceptable, although it is merely my province and not my country... yet.
using that logic there are only 4 continents: Eurasia-Africa, Australia, Antarctica, and America.

People on Greenland have Nordic (Danish) origine, but over time they have becomed Greenlanders. Of corse this does't include eskimos.

They are danish citizens however. Making them politically part of the EU.

Perhaps that is the stumbling block. If other areas of the world teach that North and South America are one big continent, then that's probably a major source of the confusion. :)
Classically that's how it's been taught. It wasn't until much more recently that the division started to be made in the US.
http://club.telepolis.com/geografo/regional/continentes.htm (Spanish)

By your own logic we should call people from the Republic of South Africa 'Republic of South Africans'. The very fact we call them South Africans actually supports calling citizens of the United States of America 'Americans'.

If you limit your logic maybe. However the United Statres of America is a republic as well is it not? So it is the Republic of the United States of America, which, by analogy with RSA makes the people of the USA - United States of Americans.

Technically this is the correct term (and no one has argued against it so far) but it is rather too long winded to use. Now what I am challenging is the form of abbreviation that is used. I choose to abreviate it to USian and I am told that I am being offensive. I counter argue that abbvreviating it to American is ambiguous at best and can be considered insulting and dismissive.

Alright. I insist you call me Princess Banana Hammock, and you shall refer to my nationality as 'Goddessian'.
As you wish, Your Magesty.

And I shall hereafter be refered to as "Commandant Von Bottlebrauen." I am Quetzalsacatenangan in nationality. Failure to correctly pronounce my nationality will be met with the swift sword of death.

Yet both United Statesman and UK (oxford press) dictionaries have definitions that demur, and state otherwise.


I never realised that dictionaries were authorities on geographical matters.

That's what I don't get about this thread.

When I am going to refer to another person's nationality, I ask them what term they prefer. I don't tell them that I am going to use a term for their nationality whether they like it or not. I don't yell at them for choosing a term I don't like. If I am confused by the term they use, I ask them about it and use it as an opportunity to learn more about them.

If citizens of the United States of America would like to be called "Americans," why don't you just call them that? If you use "USian," and an American asks you to please refer to them as "American" instead, why not just do it? It's only polite.

If an American refers to you as "European" and you wish to be called "British," just say so. If an American refers to you as "European" and you feel the need to clarify that Canada is not, in fact, a part of Europe, then go right ahead! (Our school systems aren't doing so hot right now, so have patience with us.)

It's kind of like common nick names. Lots of people who are named "Katherine" go by "Kate," but when I meet somebody named "Katherine" I first ask them if they go by something else. I don't just assume they want to be called "Kate." And I certainly don't continue calling them "Kate" after they tell me that they prefer "Kat" or "Trina." I would never think of yelling at them for picking the "wrong" nickname. I wouldn't insist that only "Catherine" can be abreviated with "Cat," or that "Trina" is only an acceptable nickname for "Katrina."
sure, when you talk with them.

But when you are writing an article or a post, you don't go around asking what the prefer to be refered to. You use words that you understand and you are hoping that everyone will understand. Otherwise we'd have pretty fucked up posts where you refer to colombianos and americans and canadiens and français. No you say columbian, USAmerican/Whatever, candian and french because your post is written in english.

But this all stemmed for Eutrusca refusing to answer a question because he took offense to being called USian. Let me tell you, it'S a rather poor way of skirting the issue and debating.

They are danish citizens however. Making them politically part of the EU.

Greenland isn't in the EU.

The UK is geographically part of Europe. Just like Åland. Just like Odense. Just like Sardinia. Just like Sicily.

What about Malta and Cyprus? I've always wondered about those.

As you wish, Your Magesty.

And I shall hereafter be refered to as "Commandant Von Bottlebrauen." I am Quetzalsacatenangan in nationality. Failure to correctly pronounce my nationality will be met with the swift sword of death.
:D

That doesn't make the landmass European though. Just the inhabitants with European ancestry.

Of course. The land mass is part of the americas, but the people are europeans.

Well, the other thing is that (at least in America) we are taught that North and South America are two separate continents, while North and West Africa (for example) are regions on the same continent. Likewise, Eastern and Western Europe are described as being regions on the same continent.

Perhaps that is the stumbling block. If other areas of the world teach that North and South America are one big continent, then that's probably a major source of the confusion. :)
I believe, as someone noted earlier, it depends on the context. If you are using "american" to refer to people from the USA, then you have to explain it, like that lecturer did in that one post earlier.

Of course. The land mass is part of the americas, but the people are europeans.
As a Nehiyaw, I object to that!

Yet both United Statesman and UK (oxford press) dictionaries have definitions that demur, and state otherwise.

The definition is not a definition at all. It is an explanation of Anglophone vernacular use of the term when they want to differentiate themselves from the rest of Europe in everyday speech. We use "Europe" in Swedish in the same sense when differentiating ourselves from the rest of the continent. As we say: "Ska du åka ner till Europa och tågluffa?" = "Are you going down to Europe and interrail across it?"

Would this particular vernacular usage make Sweden not part of Europe?

Oh, and by the by: http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~feegi/europe.GIF

See how the bright blue continental shelf stretches around the UK and Ireland? How the UK, you know, rests on the European Continental Shelf?

Yet politically it is part of the americas.

And geographically part of Oceania.

They are danish citizens however. Making them politically part of the EU.

Politically. Demographically all white people on the world are Europeans as all black people are Africans.

Politically.

Politically they aren't part of the EU.

sure, when you talk with them.

But when you are writing an article or a post, you don't go around asking what the prefer to be refered to. You use words that you understand and you are hoping that everyone will understand. Otherwise we'd have pretty fucked up posts where you refer to colombianos and americans and canadiens and français. No you say columbian, USAmerican/Whatever, candian and french because your post is written in english.

When it comes to written material (other than interactive posting and IMing and such), I think everybody should just chill and accept that their nationality is going to be identified a certain way by people from other nations.

If nothing else, you can chalk this up to the differences in language...I can't accurately pronouce some of the native names for many nationalities, because I just haven't learnt to make those sounds. Hell, I don't have many of the necessary characters to type out the native spellings of many nations.

I trust that people from Japan will forgive my use of "Japanese." I trust that people from Germany will understand that I do not mean to slight them when I refer to them as "Germans." I trust that Canadians will not feel that I am trying to kick their puppy when I identify them as such. Maybe I'm too trusting.


But this all stemmed for Eutrusca refusing to answer a question because he took offense to being called USian. Let me tell you, it'S a rather poor way of skirting the issue and debating.
I don't really know the whole story. I think if Eut politely expressed a desire to be refered to as "American," and if the person he was talking with refused to accomodate this request, then that person was being very rude and Eut may have been right to remove himself from the discussion.

But I agree that it would be equally rude to refuse to continue speaking with somebody just because they happened to use a particular term for your nationality. People use all kinds of nutty abbreviations online, so why take it so personally?

As a Nehiyaw, I object to that!
I thought you were Goddessian :)

Greenland isn't in the EU.

Neither are the channel islands then, if you want to be a pedant.

I don't think it went like that either, but it makes for a humorous illustration :)


Ah, but that was not exclusive of the British colonies. The Spanish and Portuguese colonies were also known as American colonies. And the people in those colonies called themselves Americans.


Or estadounidenses, especially when clarification would be needed.


But there were Americans, even if no Brazil, Venezuela, etc. were there, there were had been Americans since long before 1776.

The second independent nation in America was Haiti. Mexico was amongst the first of the Spanish colonies to begin an independence movement but took a long time to achieve it.


Nah, I just call them 'people of the US', or something like that.
Forgot about Haiti.

I would like to know why Eutrusca thinks the term "USian" is offensive and why people on here think the term "yankee" is offensive. I don't find Yankee to be a derogatory term. Just as I really don't think USian is offensive. I just think it is silly. But offensive? No.

Neither are the channel islands then, if you want to be a pedant.

I never claimed they were though.

I thought you were Goddessian :)
I have dual-citizenship:p

So, I have a question:

I was born in Chile. I have Chilean citizenship, and speak spanish fluently.

I grew up in Canada. I have Canadian citizenship, and speak english fluently.

I live in Quebec. I have Quebec health insurance. If Quebec separated, I would be a Quebec citizen, and I speak french.

So if I have lived in several nations in the Americas, speak most of the major languages of the Americas, and have passports for several countries in the Americas, what am I?

Am I a chilean/canadian/quebecer/hispanophone/anglophone/francophone...or am I an american?

I am philosophizing on why this thread is increasing at like 10 posts per minute.

It's fun :D

So, I have a question:

I was born in Chile. I have Chilean citizenship, and speak spanish fluently.

I grew up in Canada. I have Canadian citizenship, and speak english fluently.

I live in Quebec. I have Quebec health insurance. If Quebec separated, I would be a Quebec citizen, and I speak french.

So if I have lived in several nations in the Americas, speak most of the major languages of the Americas, and have passports for several countries in the Americas, what am I?

Am I a chilean/canadian/quebecer/hispanophone/anglophone/francophone...or am I an american?
The official stance of the USA is that you are a foreigner. Therefore, your nationality is "Evil."

(kidding ;))

Forgot about Haiti.

I would like to know why Eutrusca thinks the term "USian" is offensive and why people on here think the term "yankee" is offensive. I don't find Yankee to be a derogatory term. Just as I really don't think USian is offensive. I just think it is silly. But offensive? No.
Well, yanqui, in Spanish, is generally used to refer to imperialist people from the USA. It's meant to be insulting, and therefore, is insulting. While people may get annoyed with 'USian', it isn't meant to be insulting, and I can't see how anyone could actually get insulted about it. If they are insulted...oh well. I'm still not going to call them an American.

What about Malta and Cyprus? I've always wondered about those.

http://kronos.minenv.gr/emwis/_derived/Europe-Satellite-02.jpg

Look at the continental shelf, if you wish to use that as a criterion.

The official stance of the USA is that you are a foreigner. Therefore, your nationality is "Evil."

(kidding ;))

I think you win this thread.:)

http://kronos.minenv.gr/emwis/_derived/Europe-Satellite-02.jpg

Look at the continental shelf, if you wish to use that as a criterion.
Doesn't go all the way to Cyprus. And Sicily is attached to Africa!

OMG! Tony Soprano is African-American! :eek:

Yes, I am. But I also American just like Germans are European.

Not quite topical here, but back in the day we probably should have referred to citizens of West Germany as BRians.

America has two meanings. The name of the contenent and the name of the contry. Get over it.

I think you win this thread.:)
SILENCE, HEATHEN!!

By being a not-American, you are helping the terrorists!!! We've got like ten gajillion nukes sitting in the prairies of Middle America, and we're just looking for one of you evil outsiders to step out of line!!

Am I a chilean/canadian/quebecer/hispanophone/anglophone/francophone...or am I an american?
I must have forgotten you are a chileno...or perhaps I never knew? Hmmmm...

I must have forgotten you are a chileno...or perhaps I never knew? Hmmmm...

I'm subtle about it.

Doesn't go all the way to Cyprus. And Sicily is attached to Africa!

OMG! Tony Soprano is African-American! :eek:

Actually, no. Sicily is on the European side of a shared shelf.

Am I a chilean/canadian/quebecer/hispanophone/anglophone/francophone...or am I an american?

Nope, you're just Chilean. If we continue down that path than Chinesse, Arabs, Turks, Uzbekhs... are Azians, wich they are geographiclly, but no politiclly.

Maybe you're an greasball... Lol

(joke)

Actually, no. Sicily is on the European side of a shared shelf.
OMG! Tony Soprano is Africo-Euro-American! :eek:

Politically. Demographically all white people on the world are Europeans as all black people are Africans.
Er, no. That's simply untrue.

I don't really know the whole story. I think if Eut politely expressed a desire to be refered to as "American," and if the person he was talking with refused to accomodate this request, then that person was being very rude and Eut may have been right to remove himself from the discussion.

But I agree that it would be equally rude to refuse to continue speaking with somebody just because they happened to use a particular term for your nationality. People use all kinds of nutty abbreviations online, so why take it so personally?

It was the latter, the poster concerned even apologised to Eut (when they became aware of the nature and cause of the alledged offendedness) and explained that no offence was intended- the question evidently remained unanswered last time I checked...

I'm subtle about it.
That does not compute.

What...you don't run around dressed like a huaso, drinking pisco and dancing the cueca, all while reciting Pablo Neruda and humming Violeta Parra songs?

¿¿¿Qué tipo de chileno ERES???

OMG! Tony Soprano is Africo-Euro-American! :eek:

Well, some people have refered to the supercontinent as "Eurafrasia." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurafrasia)

Er, no. That's simply untrue.

How come?

Nope, you're just Chilean. If we continue down that path than Chinesse, Arabs, Turks, Uzbekhs... are Azians, wich they are geographiclly, but no politiclly.

If he already has Canadian citizenship, how is he just a Chilean?

OMG! Tony Soprano is Africo-Euro-American! :eek:
Hey, I'm of Sicilain descent as well. Can I claim to be African-American?