me being a foreigner I would love to learn

[guncrasher]

something that has been bothering me for years.  I remember back in the 70's they used to say the United States team, or the Mexican team.

but now they changed 10 or 15 years ago to Team USA, or Team Uganda.  Why the change? me being foreigner it gives it a different meaning.



semp

[Groth]

 When you find out, let us know.
                                      JGroth

[APDrone]

Probably a marketing coup.. Easier to say 'Team USA' vs. United States Gymnastics Team...

Parts of my fragmented brain area think it stems from early 80s female gymnastics, yet another is thinking it is emerged from the America's Cup sailing competition from the 80's.

Nothing jumps out as concrete in the google searching, but thought I'd throw those out for consideration.. maybe somebody else remembers better.

[MrRiplEy[H]]

Probably a marketing coup.. Easier to say 'Team USA' vs. United States Gymnastics Team...

Parts of my fragmented brain area think it stems from early 80s female gymnastics, yet another is thinking it is emerged from the America's Cup sailing competition from the 80's.

Nothing jumps out as concrete in the google searching, but thought I'd throw those out for consideration.. maybe somebody else remembers better.

Captain America -> Team USA. Word for the masses.

[Bizman]

Yes, most likely something marketing related. It looks better in printed items than for example "United States Olympic team". It also helps people listen to commentators: You'd be prepared to listen to the next word after hearing "team", thus being better able to hang along even after enjoying refreshments in a noisy crowd. I suppose way back then listening or viewing sports wasn't such a social event as it now seems to be. Just imagine a bunch of men in their fan clothing around a couch watching a game, the TV commentator saying "mumble mumble team...". That would lead to homicidal tendencies against the one who was making noise during the informative moment.

[cpxxx]

It's pure marketing, 'Team USA' or 'Team Azerbijan' has a more punchy vibe than the full title and makes it's easier to sell merchandise!

The British called themselves 'Team GB' for the Olympics. Of course it was pointed out it should be 'Team UK' by some grumpy Northern Irish 'loyalists' because GB doesn't include them! 

It's bad English of course as team should not be in front of the other word. But marketing wins out.

[zack1234]

I was in Team Uganda Giraffe throwing team

[morfiend]

I was in Team Uganda Giraffe throwing team

  Funny,I read they kicked you out because you couldnt hold your own!