Dense_Electric said:
Okay, really? Maybe it's just a North American thing, but in my experience online, I've never met ANYONE who didn't know what country I was referring to when I said "America." Unless the person you're talking to is intentionally being pretentious, they should be familiar with the common usage.
Generally, when someone is called 'American', or the word 'America' is used, it's at least assumed it means USA. Although not always, but usually the context will make it clear what it's about.
But in a discussion where there is a lot of referring to the continents and countries, it might be useful to make sure people know what you mean with 'American' in this context. If you, for example, have a discussion about, lets say immigration around the world, and it's both referred to continents and countries. I have been a part of discussions where there was confusion over such things.
"In Americas, on the other hand, both Americans and Canadians think this, while most South-American countries have disagreed with America"
Personally, I just think it sounds silly (although I generally use 'American' and 'America' to refer to USA). South America is not a part of America?
And I know I'd be upset, if say, Germany would insist to be called 'Europe', but the America thing is so commonly used...