[citation][nom]random_guy417[/nom]While I'm sure the original commenter that said "only in America..." was (incorrectly) referring to the USA, America is rather vague and technically covers 2 entire continents.[/citation]
Technically, it is the internationally-recognized name for citizens of the USA as "Americans." Sure, there are two continents with "America" in the name, but by normal naming convention, the USA's full name is properly shortened to "America," as that is the demonym ('name of the people') word of the country's name. This is the standard for virtually all countries, as you can see by comparing the "common" name with the full official name:
- Russia - Russian Federation
- France - French Republic
- Germany - Federal Republic of Germany
- Australia - Commonwealth of Australia
- Japan - State of Japan
- China - People's Republic of China
- India - Republic of India
- Mexico - United States of Mexico/United Mexican States (Estados Unidos Mexicanos)
The last particularly puts it into perspective: the USA's own NEIGHBOR can be equally called the "United States." However, by demonym, those in the Mexican states are "Mexicans," whereas those in the American states are "Americans." If one wants to just get technical over the term, why should "American" refer to anyone who's of European or African origin in the first place, which make up the vast majority of the population of the two American continents?