Context

Um, okay? We're happy to call you whatever you like, buddy. But, um, is that your actual name?

This is the very first line of Moby-Dick, in which our narrator introduces himself. We don't know anything about Ishmael at this point, but he sounds friendly enough and it looks like we're going to get an interesting seafaring story or two.

We do feel compelled to point out that he doesn't say, "I'm Ishmael" or "My name is Ishmael," which, at this point in the novel (square one to be exact), has us a bit confused. Why should we call him Ishmael? What if that isn't his real name?

...Can we really trust this guy?

Where you've heard it

You're looking at one of the absolute most famous lines in literature, so you've probably heard it a zillion times.

"Call me __________" is a favorite line of many lit geeks. Just don't call me maybe.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Unless your name is "Ishmael," you're just saying it to let people know you've read Moby-Dick. It may make you feel smart, but it makes everyone else feel...like you're pretentious.