Context

This line is from the song "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" by Jimmy Kennedy (lyrics) and Nat Simon (music). 

Even if you slept through history class, you know that Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey (but not the capital—that's Ankara), was once called Constantinople. The Emperor Constantine (not Maroulis) liked naming things after himself.

Why do you know the quote? Because it's part of the chorus in the hit cover "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" by They Might Be Giants, singers of other addictive tunes like "Birdhouse in your Soul" and "Particle Man." But the first group to record it was The Four Lads, way back in 1953.

The song is peppered with other little facts, too, like how "New York was once New Amsterdam." It's true. 

People just liked it better that way.

Where you've heard it

You may have this catchy song stuck in your head for days, whether it's from the album itself, this Tiny Toon Adventures segment, or Just Dance 4. Or maybe you caught it on America's Got Talent or Gilmore Girls.

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.

It's unlikely that anyone will start talking about Constantinople as though it still exists…but for some reason they do, you can correct them in a fun way. And if they get mad, just sic "Particle Man" on 'em.