Why do Americans always mention state they're from?

a reply to: homeskillet

confusion lies with americans on that one...

a reply to: croatianguy

Because there are 11 states that have a city or town named Miami aside from the obvious one. And there are four different cities and towns named Dallas.

I think sometimes that people who aren't from here miss the obvious size and scope of the country as a whole. The headmaster of the school we're sending our son to is Scottish, and he said he never really understood just how BIG the US was until he and his wife decided to take a trip out to Dodge City to see Boot Hill. He said since it was still in Kansas, he didn't think it would be that far, and then he drove for hours to get there because it really is.

We have states that are larger than many other countries. And then all those states have hundreds of towns, sometimes bare spots on the map.

So, yeah, it's not uncommon if you are operating in a different part of the country and are from a smaller place yourself to add your state to help another person place where you are from in their own minds. Arrogance has nothing to do with it.

a reply to: ketsuko

Don't forget that Springfield is in over 80% of the states in the country

If I'm talking to somebody or people who only live in the USA, I just say I am near Seattle. That's all I have to say.

But anywhere else in the world I'll just say Washington State, I have to include state, because I have had people think I live in Washington DC and then I have to explain there is a state named Washington and it is nowhere near Washington DC.

a reply to: grey580

A lot of your place names in the us are also place names in the UK , so adding the state and or country does help any none US
people get a clearer picture .

originally posted by: Krazysh0t
a reply to: ketsuko

Don't forget that Springfield is in over 80% of the states in the country

Well yeah, 34 Springields. Popular name.

I spent several years in the middle east. Most of that in Iraq.
People asked me,"Are you an American?"
I would reply,"No, I'm a Texan."
This would get a smile nearly every time.

In my experience, most Americans would rather identify with their home state than identify themselves as a representative of the US federal government. The federal government does not represent the states or the citizens.

I think it has to do with the faint idea of the US being 50 little nations Unionized as one, and honestly I would rather be known as a Minnesotan when it comes down to Nationality.

originally posted by: croatianguy
I can understand when they mention a small town, then the state..like Flint, Michigan. But why say "I'm from LA, California or Chicago, Illinois?" Do some people in US not actually know which state LA or Chicago might be in?

If I mention a state, in the way you described, it's because I don't assume that someone from another country knows where everything here is. Many do, of course, but not everyone. It's just a courtesy in that case. Plus, there are some smaller towns that share a name with a big city, and, knowing that, someone from the big city might want to be sure we know that is the place they mean.

In General, mentioning a state can be for other reasons, such as cultural differences. There are a lot of differences in habits, how people think, speech patterns, even common activities, from state to state.

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus

originally posted by: mikeone718
You and the OP, I'm from the Bronx, New York - didn't even take two minutes

You have to tell him that because if you said you were from the Boogie Down he would be very confused.

He's not 'bout that life.

a reply to: croatianguy

Well...it pisses me off when i am reading the paper and see a reference to Arlington. Because i don't know if they are talking about Virginia or Texas. Both are million+ cities, so i have to read further into a story to find out how relevant it is to me.

Sometimes its all about bravado. You won't hear "Im from L.A, California". You will, however, hear the long version of "Los Angeles, California"

But the the copying of names from state to state causes the issue. Besides, if i said, "Im from Cuero", you might not even know which country Im talking about, let along which state.

a reply to: ketsuko

When i give my city, i get asked "what part of Texas is that". Its such a big state....if i am in the Panhandle I can be closer to the capital of 3 other states than my own. To get from Amarillo to Houston will take you around 14-15 hours. I am in what is known as "West Texas", but still have a 5 hour drive to the western most point in the state (El Paso). Where I sit right now, I am closer to Denver than I am Houston.

That is why i specify "West Texas" when I give my state, usually. If not, everyone assumes I am from the central texas/hill country area.

a reply to: bigfatfurrytexan

lol u reminded me of..

R: Good morning Jimmy, how are u today?

J: Well...i am pisses off Ricky , how are you?

lol some Aussies seem to think they have a good fottie club somewhere

stick to cricket people don't give me hope .. u repaint whole KFC green yellow for once in a year hit wonder

never mind .. freo team sounds worse then toodyay super Saturday fun night : bingo and refreshments till 10pm local band playing

a reply to: justchilling

Now, i know that is English. Sort of. But the only thing I recognized was "KFC", and im here to tell you that KFC is red, white, and black. Just like the good Colonel wanted it.

originally posted by: badgerprints
I spent several years in the middle east. Most of that in Iraq.
People asked me,"Are you an American?"
I would reply,"No, I'm a Texan."
This would get a smile nearly every time.

In my experience, most Americans would rather identify with their home state than identify themselves as a representative of the US federal government. The federal government does not represent the states or the citizens.

EXACTLY...

It's funny people talk about Americans, but I don't even want to be from the next town over... I'm from North Carolina.. Not South Carolina.. Not Virginia.. Not New York..

None of those people would even like me, once we got to real talk.. Hahaha..

Oh me.. But even being from North Carolina.. Sorry Texas but we got the best barbecue. Then though, I am from a hippie area, so other people in North Carolina judge me, for not having enough accent..

The USA is not one thing.
I have to learn to appreciate different USA peoples city by city and state by state.
Learn each section of culture.
I'll never live long enough to know....
What is an American.

LOL at the furry Texan above me..
Bojangles! if you don't get home fried..
KFC used to be better, before it got all meh..

a reply to: bigfatfurrytexan

Aussies

a reply to: Reverbs

sorry North Carolina, Aussies have the best bbq

They where all born on hot stove.. good god is the one thing they are the best at.. you can’t have that one mattie..

originally posted by: justchilling
a reply to: Reverbs

sorry North Carolina, Aussies have the best bbq

They where all born on hot stove.. good god is the one thing they are the best at.. you can’t have that one mattie..

meh.. I havn't tried it, but I doubt it.. VERY much doubt it.
We are probably not even meaning the same thing, by the word bbq.

I CAN have that one..

I plan to visit Aussie land some day. Maybe I'll find out then.

originally posted by: Hidinout
If I'm talking to somebody or people who only live in the USA, I just say I am near Seattle. That's all I have to say.

But anywhere else in the world I'll just say Washington State, I have to include state, because I have had people think I live in Washington DC and then I have to explain there is a state named Washington and it is nowhere near Washington DC.

Or if someone were to say WA to those outside of the US, namely Australia, WA is different than the US's WA state.