When a place advertises itself as 'World Famous,' you may be sure it isn't.

Certainly! Here’s an explanation with the keywords bolded:

The quote by Herb Caen offers a witty and skeptical observation about places that claim to be “World Famous.” Caen suggests that when a location heavily advertises its fame, it is often a sign that it isn’t truly well-known on a global scale. This reflects a common marketing tactic where exaggeration is used to attract visitors, but the reality may fall short of the grand claim.

Caen’s remark highlights the idea that true fame or renown usually speaks for itself and doesn’t require loud promotion. The quote implies that genuine recognition is often subtle and earned over time, whereas self-proclaimed fame can come across as insincere or desperate. His humor exposes the gap between appearance and reality in the world of branding and tourism.

The origin of this quote comes from Herb Caen, a celebrated American journalist and columnist known for his sharp wit and keen observations of culture and society. His words serve as a clever critique of overhyped marketing and remind readers to be discerning about claims of fame.