When do you use Claim To Fame?
This unknown small town's main claim to fame is that the President was born here.
One of New York's claim to fame is that the President was born here.

Are these sentences are okay? Claim to Fame is only used for things that are not well-known or famous? Thanks

Question

When do you use Claim To Fame?
This unknown small town's main claim to fame is that the President was born here.
One of New York's claim to fame is that the President was born here.

Are these sentences are okay? Claim to Fame is only used for things that are not well-known or famous? Thanks

Answer

It tends to be used ironically or sarcastically so you would say it about the unknown small town (which has nothing else famous about it) but not about New York which obviously has a lot of famous aspects.   The 'claim to fame' itself might be famous or well known but would be the only significant thing about that person or place.

My claim to fame is leaving helpful answers on italki ;-)    - Yes
David's claim to fame was once hitting a home run in high school - Yes
Kim Kardashian's claim to fame is being on TV - Yes (she is legitimately famous but you are belittling her by calling it a 'claim to fame' not a substantial or long lasting fame)
Picasso's claim to fame is being a painter - No

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