Thread: pais generoso

Originally Posted by Dragona

hi all,
just wanted to say that i enjoyed this thread...from the expression to the meaning to the assumptions!
good one!

Thanks, Dragona!!! Yes, it was really funny!

Hi les

To my knowledge there are no politically correct or incorrect ways to refer to the United States. Certainly none I have ever heard of. (Well, maybe The Great Satan! might be a little unpopular )

When writing I use U.S., US, USA; never United States and rarely America simply because I'm lazy and like the short version (and also because, as you said, we aren't the "only" America). When I'm in a Spanish-speaking country I will say los Estados Unidos.

Hi, Leslie! Of course I understand U.S. means United States. We also understand America and the States, as you explained.

My doubt arose as to the expression used by your friend: did he/she referred to Argentina or to the States?

For our explanations, I assumed that he/she was referring to Argentina. Otherwise, as Vicente pointed out, your friend would be "something less than a courteous visitor to the U.S."

I hope you find it useful

Originally Posted by vicente

Certainly none I have ever heard of. (Well, maybe The Great Satan! might be a little unpopular )

LOL!!!!

When I'm in a Spanish-speaking country I will say los Estados Unidos.

The correct acronym for it being "EE.UU." in Spanish.

Originally Posted by Guadalupe

The correct acronym for it being "EE.UU." in Spanish.

Guadalupe, I learned that when I first started studying Spanish and I never knew why and never asked why they use double letters instead of just "E.U". Do you know?

Originally Posted by vicente

Guadalupe, I learned that when I first started studying Spanish and I never knew why and never asked why they use double letters instead of just "E.U". Do you know?

Hi, Vicente! Well, double letters indicate that the acronym or abbreviation has its origin in a plural word. Examples include:

• Estados Unidos: EE.UU.
• Fuerzas Armadas: FF.AA.
• Recursos Humanos: RR.HH.
• Relaciones Públicas: RR.PP.

Note that "E.U.A." and "EUA" are also possible to refer to the USA in Spanish, though they are not commonly used in Argentina. USA, however, is not correct in Spanish, but frequently used due to the global influence of English.

Originally Posted by Guadalupe

Hi, Vicente! Well, double letters indicate that the acronym or abbreviation has its origin in a plural word. Examples include:

• Estados Unidos: EE.UU.
• Fuerzas Armadas: FF.AA.
• Recursos Humanos: RR.HH.
• Relaciones Públicas: RR.PP.

Note that "E.U.A." and "EUA" are also possible to refer to the USA in Spanish, though they are not commonly used in Argentina. USA, however, is not correct in Spanish, but frequently used due to the global influence of English.

Now I know!! A simple explanation. I'm glad I asked. Thanks Guadalupe!

Originally Posted by vicente

Now I know!! A simple explanation. I'm glad I asked. Thanks Guadalupe!

Great, Vicente! I'd like to share this phrase with you:
I love to doubt as well as know. — Dante Alighieri

For I think the secret of knowing lies in doubting.