Mae West Quotes

Powerful Mae West for Daily Growth

About Mae West

Mae West (1893-1980), an iconic figure in American entertainment, was born on August 17, 1893, in Brooklyn, New York, to Canadian parents. Raised in poverty, she developed a sharp wit as a means of survival and self-protection in the harsh streets of her neighborhood. West's interest in acting began early, performing in school plays. She eventually dropped out of school at age 15 to pursue a career in vaudeville. Her breakthrough came in 1926 with the Broadway play "Sex", which she wrote, produced, and starred in under the pseudonym Jane Mast. The play was shut down after two performances due to its racy content but catapulted West to stardom. Known for her double entendres, bold fashion sense, and sultry stage presence, West was a trailblazer in breaking societal norms around female sexuality during the 1920s and '30s. She was arrested multiple times for indecency but used these events to fuel her fame and public image. West's major works include films such as "She Done Him Wrong" (1933), "I'm No Angel" (1933), and "My Little Chickadee" (1940). Her quick-witted, humorous dialogue has made her quotes timeless. Famous examples include, "Too much of a good thing can be wonderful," and "I used to be Snow White, but I drifted." Despite facing numerous challenges, including censorship and industry sexism, West's impact on popular culture is undeniable. Her influence can still be felt today in modern comedy and entertainment. She passed away on November 22, 1980, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, creativity, and unapologetic femininity.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Too much of a good thing can be wonderful."

This quote by Mae West suggests that while moderation is often beneficial, an excess of something enjoyable or positive can also have delightful outcomes. It highlights the idea that sometimes, more than enough of a desirable situation can lead to extraordinary experiences or amplified enjoyment. However, it's essential to note that this doesn't apply to all situations, as too much of something negative may still result in undesirable consequences.


"I try to use every part of the man I'm with."

Mae West's quote, "I try to use every part of the man I'm with," is a metaphorical expression that suggests she values and appreciates her partners as a whole, fully embracing their different aspects, qualities, and strengths rather than focusing on one particular aspect. It implies a comprehensive approach in relationships, acknowledging and making the most out of each person's unique traits and characteristics.


"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."

Mae West's quote emphasizes the importance of living a meaningful life. It suggests that the quality, rather than the quantity, of one's existence should be prioritized. The phrase "if you do it right" implies that when we make the most out of our lives, there is no need to repeat or extend it. Living intentionally and authentically ensures a fulfilling life experience, making the single chance at living enough.


"I'd be gasp! shocked! If you gasp! didn't have anything nice to say about Mae West."

This quote by Mae West humorously suggests that it would come as a surprise (gasp!) if one did not have something positive or complimentary (nice) to say about her. The use of exclamation marks emphasizes her confidence, charisma, and the high regard in which she held herself. It's a testament to Mae West's larger-than-life persona and the enduring impact she made on popular culture.


"Anything worth doing is worth doing well."

Mae West's quote, "Anything worth doing is worth doing well," emphasizes that one should always strive for quality and excellence in their pursuits. If something holds value or significance to us, we should invest the necessary time, effort, and skill to achieve it to the best of our abilities. This perspective encourages individuals to approach tasks with a mindset of precision, dedication, and a desire for mastery, ultimately leading to personal growth and satisfaction.


If I asked for a cup of coffee, someone would search for the double meaning.

- Mae West

Search, Someone, Would, Asked

Don't keep a man guessing too long - he's sure to find the answer somewhere else.

- Mae West

Long, Sure, Somewhere Else, Answer

I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it.

- Mae West

Avoid, Unless, Resist, Temptation

I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number you get in a diamond.

- Mae West

Worry, Diet, About, Diets

Love thy neighbor - and if he happens to be tall, debonair and devastating, it will be that much easier.

- Mae West

Love, Will, Thy, Devastating

It ain't no sin if you crack a few laws now and then, just so long as you don't break any.

- Mae West

Laws, Break, Then, Now And Then

Look your best - who said love is blind?

- Mae West

Love, Best, Blind, Love Is

Love conquers all things except poverty and toothache.

- Mae West

Love, Toothache, Things, Conquers

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

Black, Big, Audience, Orchestra

Save a boyfriend for a rainy day - and another, in case it doesn't rain.

- Mae West

Rain, Dating, Rainy, Case

She's the kind of girl who climbed the ladder of success wrong by wrong.

- Mae West

She, Kind, Ladder, Climbed

I used to be Snow White, but I drifted.

- Mae West

Funny, Snow, White, Snow White

I've been in more laps than a napkin.

- Mae West

More, Been, Napkin, Laps

Too much of a good thing can be taxing.

- Mae West

Good, A Good Thing, Too, Taxing

An ounce of performance is worth pounds of promises.

- Mae West

Performance, Pounds, Ounce, Promises

A dame that knows the ropes isn't likely to get tied up.

- Mae West

Get, Likely, Tied, Dame

I enjoyed the courtroom as just another stage but not so amusing as Broadway.

- Mae West

Stage, Broadway, Courtroom, Amusing

A man can be short and dumpy and getting bald but if he has fire, women will like him.

- Mae West

Will, Like, Getting, Bald

Ten men waiting for me at the door? Send one of them home, I'm tired.

- Mae West

Waiting, Men, Door, Send

I believe in censorship. I made a fortune out of it.

- Mae West

Believe, Fortune, Made, I Believe

I believe that it's better to be looked over than it is to be overlooked.

- Mae West

Better, Over, Looked, I Believe

Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before.

- Mae West

Funny, Never, Always, Between

I like restraint, if it doesn't go too far.

- Mae West

Like, Far, Too, Restraint

Every man I meet wants to protect me. I can't figure out what from.

- Mae West

Me, Meet, Figure, Protect

I didn't discover curves; I only uncovered them.

- Mae West

Curves, Discover, Only, Uncovered

Virtue has its own reward, but no sale at the box office.

- Mae West

Reward, Own, Sale, Box Office

Anything worth doing is worth doing slowly.

- Mae West

Doing, Worth, Anything, Slowly

I'm no model lady. A model's just an imitation of the real thing.

- Mae West

Lady, Model, Real Thing, Imitation

Give a man a free hand and he'll run it all over you.

- Mae West

Run, Give, Over, Hand

Marriage is a great institution, but I'm not ready for an institution.

- Mae West

Marriage, Great, Ready, Institution

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