Hispanic here, I grew up using “gringo” specifically for people from the U.S. despite skin tone.

Canadians are “Canadiense”, English are “Ingles” but United States? “Estadounidense”? It’s sort of like saying “United Statian” but arguably more “correct/proper”

Gringo is just much faster/easier to say.

That being said this can vary a little from one Latin-American country to another.

Didn’t know about Solovair, much appreciated!

I’ve kept a pair of Docs around because I still think they make a great fashion staple, but having a pair that could actually be comfortable/good again would be amazing

Can back this up as someone who used to wear them daily at a dealership job.

Don’t know if I’m getting old or they changed something but they’re just not as good/comfortable.

Can’t speak on if they wear down any faster however, didn’t get that far.

I would imagine context and culture/local custom are pretty important here.

FWIW it’s been my experience in North America that looking someone in the eye and offering a friendly handshake is alright.