Well, everybody born in the american continent is technically “american” too, including Central and South America. Is there a specific term in english for these people?
Edit: Thanks for all your answers, especially the wholesome ones and those patient enough to explain it thoroughly. Since we (South Americans) and you (North Americans) use different models/conventions of continent boundaries, it makes sense for you to go by “Americans”, while it doesn’t for us.
♪Booooooorn in the US-A!♪
and you have to sing it in tune to use this term correctly.
To answer your question seriously: As a Canadian, I’d say “…from the States” to describe an American.
Bonus: “our Southern neighbours” is the polite term I use when something stupid happens in the US and I’m hoping and praying Canada can ward off that part of culture making its way here.