Mae West was a woman far ahead of her time—a trailblazer, an icon, and the queen of wit. Known for her sharp one-liners and fearless defiance of societal norms, Mae West mastered the art of turning controversy into charm. Whether you’ve heard her famous remark, “When I’m good, I’m very good. But when I’m bad, I’m better,” or discovered some of her lesser-known zingers, her quotes resonate as much today as they did decades ago.

In this post, we’ll walk through Mae West's cleverest, funniest, and most thought-provoking quotes. Get ready to laugh, ponder, and maybe even find your new daily mantra!

Who Was Mae West? A Quick Introduction  

For those who might not know Mae West’s full story, she wasn’t just a Hollywood actress. She was a writer, playwright, and unshakable advocate for female empowerment. Born in 1893 in Brooklyn, New York, her career spanned vaudeville to big-screen stardom, and her personality challenged the restrictive norms surrounding sexuality and gender roles in her era.

Mae's dialogue in films and interviews was packed with her signature wit. Whether she was playing the temptress or simply stating her unapologetic philosophy on life, Mae never failed to push the envelope.

The Wit Behind Mae West: Why Her Quotes Still Matter  

Mae West didn’t just entertain—she empowered. Her ability to turn clever phrases into timeless truths allowed her to rise above criticism and secure a lasting legacy. Her quotes challenge us to rethink traditions, celebrate individuality, and embrace audacity.

But what’s most unique is how, decades later, her words still hold power, whether you need a quick laugh or a powerful reminder to live boldly.

25 Mae West Quotes That Make You Think, Laugh, or Both  

1. Funny Mae West Quotes

Mae West had an extraordinary gift for humor—playful yet razor-sharp.

• "It’s better to be looked over than overlooked."
• “You were wonderful tonight.” Mae’s response? “I’m always wonderful at night.”
• "I had to shoot a lion once. Was he mad? He wasn’t exactly pleased about it."
• Courtroom humor: When asked if she was showing contempt for the court, she quipped, “No, I’m doing my best to hide it!”
• "I can always tell a lady when I see one." Mae’s cheeky retort? "Yeah? What do you tell her?"

Analysis: These quotes not only showcase Mae's brilliant wordplay but her unshakeable confidence, cementing her as a humor icon.

2. Powerful Mae West Quotes About Life  

Mae West’s view on life was both bold and unapologetic.

• “When I’m good, I’m very good. But when I’m bad, I’m better.”
• “Why resist temptation? There will always be more.”
• "You’re never too old to become younger."
• “I only have ‘yes’ men around me. Who needs ‘no’ men?”
• "The curve is more powerful than the sword."

These quotes act as empowering mantras, challenging us to embrace who we are instead of conforming to others’ expectations.

3. Flirting and Romance Mae West Style  

Mae West didn’t shy away from tackling love and relationships, using her wit to manage admirers and critics alike.

• "Is that a proposal, or are you just taking inventory?"
• "What do you think a good husband is?" Mae replied with her trademark sass: “Single. Leave the husbands alone.”
• "Has a man ever made you happy?” Her answer? “Sure, lots of times!”

Whenever romance came up, Mae had the perfect jab, ensuring her independent streak shone bright amid a society obsessed with traditional roles.

Mae West and the Art of Confidence  

Mae’s greatest legacy wasn’t her humor—it was her confidence. As a woman working in the first half of the 20th century, she faced countless challenges yet chose to confront them head-on with humor and quick wit.

Her approach to life and career is a reminder for all of us: to own our voice and never apologize for who we are.

Love Mae West’s Style? Here’s How MyBookDigest Helps You Learn Inspirational Wisdom  

These quotes have timeless appeal, yes—but imagine expanding beyond Mae West’s wit and discovering more icons and thought leaders like her. Enter MyBookDigest, the ultimate tool for turning inspiration into action.📚

Here’s how MyBookDigest can amplify your learning journey:

• 15-Minute Summaries: Extract wisdom quickly, from historical legends like Mae West to modern influencers like Brené Brown.
• 500+ Curated Titles: Never stop exploring. Whether it’s creativity, leadership, or humor, the handpicked library has something for everyone.
• Narrated Audio: On busy days? Learn on the go during workouts or commutes.
• Weekly Updates: Fresh insights added constantly, so you’re always one step ahead.

Personal testimonial: I started using MyBookDigest earlier this year, and honestly, it’s been life-changing. The concise 15-minute summaries mean I can digest a book’s principles during my lunch break or while commuting. One of my favorite finds? A business guide on bold decision-making—definitely something Mae West would’ve approved of!

You can explore more yourself at MyBookDigest, where learning is as seamless as Mae’s one-liners.

Why Mae West’s Wit Stood the Test of Time  

Mae West’s many quotes weren’t just funny—they were fearless. She rejected the status quo and encouraged others to do the same. That’s what makes her one-liners so timeless: they remind us to embrace individuality, challenge the norm, and always, always laugh.

So, the next time you're looking for a clever Instagram caption or a mantra for self-empowerment, remember the words of Mae West: "Between two evils, I like to take the one I never tried."