When I say Europeans I mean it collectively. If I mean Germans I say that, or Bolivians for those from Bolivia. If I mean a New Yorker, or Canadian I will also say so. American is a general term, like European, however we are a collection of smaller independent states in the US, so it is easier to say Americans when talking about those across many/all of those states since Statesian is potentially confusing (but I am fine with it).
We also have terms for people from regional collections of states, like Yankee for those from the northeast, or Southerner for those from the southeast. I guess that means those people (myself included) could be called southern Americans (not to be confused with South Americans, or those in North America that are not Yankees being called North Americans).
I will admit that it is slightly inconvenient not to be able to say Americans when referring collectively to those in North and South America, but I am reminded of how rarely I call Germans Eurasians.
I am pretty sure we can blame the Brits for this confusion.
Oh, and I wasn't being patriotic, as I don't care. I was just remembering what thread this was, and taking advantage of the opportunity to give you a hard time.
I mean, I could comment on how you use American English...
I promise, if you say Americans no one will think you are talking about Bolivians, so no need to add US.
