Why are the people from the United States called Americans?

Question

I don't understand. Why are they called Americans? Everyone who lives in America is American, not just the people from the States. Venezuelans are Americans, just like Cubans, Dominicans, Mexicans, and so on. Doesn't it get confusing calling the people from the States Americans? In Spanish we say "estadounidenses" (because United States is said Estados Unidos) but because in English you say Americans, now people are saying "americanos".

I hardly think is fair that if everyone in America are Americans, when you say you are American everyone assumes you are from the States. I am an American citizen technically (you can check out my passport), but I am not from the United States. I think everyone else in America deserves to be called Americans, not just the ones from the USA.

* I wasn't making much sense, I hope the question is clear enough*

Answer 1

Not sure why, but they can keep the name..

I'm from Canada and quite proud to be called Canadian.

Answer 2

I have a fantastic idea! Let's call them Statescans.  

Answer 3

Google United States and read up on it......it will answer all your questions.

Answer 4

we say united states of america

and the people are the americans of the united state

so for not long we say " americans"

Answer 5

They call themselves americans because unitedstaticans would be too long OR they're just ignorant.  Either way you got to learn to deal with it.

Answer 6

It is short for "UNITED STATES OF AMERICANS"

Answer 7

United Statians is too yucky sounding.

Amerstatian and Amerese and Amerisian isn't good.

Bloody colonials is passe.

Americans is as good as anything else.

Answer 8

Life is not fair. Historically the citizens of the United States have been called Americans.  And really what does it matter?  Some people dont care and the ones that do can call themselves whatever they want.

Answer 9

i want people to call me nighthawk but before i was born someone named me rich

Answer 10

thats the name of our country usof america! ive never heard of canada of america, argentina of america, brazil of america have you?? they are just called canada argentina and brazil. that is our official name you dont have to like it but thats what it is.

Answer 11

Because that's what the Europeans started calling us two hundred years ago and it stuck. Too late to change it now.

Answer 12

Coz we can.

Answer 13

  Because it is the United States of America