25 common American customs that are considered offensive in other countries

[Igel]

11. The best is that it's shorter.

And it's also at the end.

Note that referring to the US as "los Estados unidos" and leaving it at that runs into problems in los "Estados unidos mexicanos." If a Mexican nationalist is of a mind to be offended, he'll find a way.

Otherwise, a bit of good will and sensitivity to context goes a long way. Which includes using "America" in Spanish with an American accent in South America. They want to be offended, to assume that we're trying to diminish their standing, they will do so. External dignity is a difficult thing to navigate, even for those espousing it, and you always have to be concerned about maintaining the facade because you simply can't ever trust anybody. (Screw social cohesion and sense of community that extends beyond those close to you. It's a great attitude, and one that have made Iraq and Libya the great democratic powers they are.)