Mae West was Hollywood’s original queen of sass and sex appeal. Known for her quick wit, double entendres, and fearless attitude, she broke rules and rewrote what it meant to be a strong, outspoken woman in the early 20th century. Whether on screen or off, Mae West had a quote ready for every occasion—and her legendary one-liners are still as sharp and empowering today as they were nearly a century ago.
In this article, we explore 40 of Mae West’s most iconic quotes, organized into four categories that reflect her unique perspective on life, love, confidence, and independence.
1. Mae West on Love and Desire
Mae West was never shy about love, lust, or attraction. She spoke about relationships in a way that was bold and liberating—especially in an era when women were expected to be silent on such matters.
10 Quotes on Love and Desire
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“Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.”
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“When I’m good, I’m very good. But when I’m bad, I’m better.”
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“It’s not the men in your life that matters, it’s the life in your men.”
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“I generally avoid temptation unless I can’t resist it.”
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“A man in the house is worth two in the street.”
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“I never loved another person the way I loved myself.”
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“Love thy neighbor—and if he happens to be tall, debonair and devastating, it will be that much easier.”
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“I like a man who’s good, but not too good—for the good die young, and I hate a dead one.”
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“Sex is emotion in motion.”
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“A hard man is good to find.”
Mae West’s view of love wasn’t about fairy tales—it was about fun, fire, and freedom. She gave women permission to enjoy love on their own terms, with a wink and a grin.
2. Mae West on Confidence and Charm
Confidence was Mae West’s trademark. Whether walking into a room or delivering a punchline, she did so with flair, knowing exactly who she was—and daring the world to challenge her.
10 Quotes on Confidence and Charm
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“I’m no model lady. A model’s just an imitation of the real thing.”
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“I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it.”
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“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
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“I speak two languages, Body and English.”
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“Too many girls follow the line of least resistance—but a good line is hard to resist.”
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“I’m single because I was born that way.”
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“Don’t keep a man guessing too long—he’s sure to find the answer somewhere else.”
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“A dame that knows the ropes isn’t likely to get tied up.”
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“Every man I meet wants to protect me. I can’t figure out what from.”
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“I’m a woman of very few words, but lots of action.”
Mae West knew the power of self-confidence, and she never apologized for it. Her quotes are a masterclass in loving yourself out loud—and never waiting for permission.
3. Mae West on Life, Wisdom, and Wit
Mae’s outlook on life was as clever as it was rebellious. She had an uncanny ability to drop pearls of wisdom wrapped in humor and sass. Her style? Tell the truth, make ’em laugh, and always be fabulous.
10 Quotes on Life and Wit
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“I used to be Snow White, but I drifted.”
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“Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before.”
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“When choosing between two evils, I always like to try the one I’ve never tried before.”
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“I’m no angel, but I’ve spread my wings a bit.”
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“A woman in love can’t be reasonable—or she probably wouldn’t be in love.”
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“He’s the kind of man a woman would have to marry to get rid of.”
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“Look your best—who said love is blind?”
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“I believe in censorship. I made a fortune out of it.”
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“To err is human, but it feels divine.”
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“Virtue has its own reward, but no sale at the box office.”
Mae West had a rare gift: turning life’s lessons into sparkling one-liners. Her wit was both a shield and a sword, reminding us that humor can be revolutionary.
4. Mae West on Independence and Feminine Power
Long before “feminism” became a cultural buzzword, Mae West embodied its spirit. She owned her image, her voice, and her power—defying the norms of her time and paving the way for women to be bold, successful, and free.
10 Quotes on Independence and Power
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“I wrote the story myself. It’s all about a girl who lost her reputation and never missed it.”
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“I’m the lady who works at being a lady.”
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“Good girls go to heaven, bad girls go everywhere.”
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“You can say what you like about long dresses, but they cover a multitude of shins.”
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“When women go wrong, men go right after them.”
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“Women like a man with a past, but they prefer a man with a present.”
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“I like restraint—if it doesn’t go too far.”
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“A woman’s mind is cleaner than a man’s—she changes it more often.”
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“I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number you get in a diamond.”
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“Personality is the glitter that sends your little gleam across the footlights and the orchestra pit into that big black space where the audience is.”
Mae West proved that being a strong woman didn’t mean giving up your femininity—it meant owning it. Her independence, sass, and success made her a true trailblazer for women everywhere.
Final Thoughts
Mae West wasn’t just a star—she was a statement. In a time when women were expected to be quiet and agreeable, she was bold, funny, and unapologetically herself. Her quotes are more than punchlines; they’re little love letters to confidence, sexuality, wit, and power.
Whether you need a boost of confidence, a clever comeback, or just a laugh, Mae West’s words still shine like diamonds—brilliant, fearless, and unforgettable.
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” — And Mae West certainly did.