Trick or Treating

Hola
So you consider yourself an American. You are not a citizen of the United Mexican States? Where I am from (Canada America) if I am called an American, it is an insult because the whole world (except you) associates that word to mean the USA.

This is a very subtle and sensitive topic. The whole world does not automatically associate American with a U.S. citizen. However, for many, it is simply understood. As demonstrated by this conversation thread, the subtleties and misunderstandings can engender prickly responses.

I love the Spanish word for a United States citizen, estadounidense. If were to find a literal English equivalent, we would most likely say UnitedStater, as we might say someone from New York is a New Yorker. Speaking in English, when the situation arises that I need to specify my citizenship, I use the word UnitedStater and get odd and, at times, amused looks.