American?! (8/13)

So while waiting in the airport to come home, Deb and I had bite eat. I ordered coffee. The options are few -- espresso or a cortado (espresso with milk spume). I was looking for a real cup of coffee. I tried my luck and asked for a "cafe americano", or American Coffee. The waitress nodded her head and acted knowingly. I even dared to get my hopes up. Well. I was given an instant Nescafe in a tiny espresson mug. So much for hoping!

Where do these people get their concept of "American"? "American Coffee" is instant. The "American Breakfast" is an ham and cheese sandwich. The "American Kitchen" is an island between kitchen and living rooms requiring stools and necessitating banging your knees while you eat. I am developing a complex. I suppose it's just like French fries. Exactly what makes them "French" I am not sure?