30+ Steel Magnolias Quotes

The term 'Steel Magnolias' is often used to refer to strong women.

'Steel Magnolias', a comedy-drama movie directed by Herbert Ross, hit the screen in 1989. The title is an oxymoron that describes strong women who have great strength as that of steel while at the same time they have the tenderness of a magnolia flower.

The movie 'Steel Magnolias' boasts a strong star cast in the names of Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Julia Roberts, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, and Tom Skerritt, to name a few.

These evergreen stars have stepped into the characters of M' Lynn Eatenton, Truvy Jones, Ouiser Boudreaux, Annelle Dupuy Desoto, Clairee Belcher, Shelby Eatenton Latcherie, and Drum Eatenton. The movie shows how women can take adversity heads on and still have the strength to smile and laugh away all the despair.

We need more movies like these to reinforce our belief in better humanity.

The 'Steel Magnolias' movie quotes share the essence of each character with great fortitude. We bring the quotes from 'Steel Magnolias' that have a free spirit of their own and show us the beauty in love, friendship, and camaraderie among women.

The Quotes Of Southern Gal Ouiser Boudreaux

Shirley MacLaine exemplifies the character of Ouiser boudreaux. Ouiser is the abridged version of the name Louisa. The name is pronounced as 'Weezer'. The name refers to a rich, ill-tempered, and elderly person.

If you decipher each quote of Ouiser in the movie, you will find a deeper sense of love for freedom hidden in this traditional southern woman. Years of wisdom are calling out for its free share of liberation. Each quote will tickle your brain cells. Here are a few select 'Steel Magnolias' quotes Ouiser glorifies.

1. "I'm not crazy, M'Lynn. I've just been in a very bad mood for 40 years!"

2. "A dirty mind is a terrible thing to waste."

3. "Don't try to get on my good side, Truvy. I no longer have one!"

4. "The only reason people are nice to me is because I have more money than God."

5. "There, My secrets out. I'm having an affair with a Mercedes Benz!"

6. "He's a real gentleman! I bet he takes the dishes out of the sink before he pees in it!"

7. "Now, that is not true. When I was in school, a bunch of my friends and I would dress up as nuns and go bar-hoppin'."

8. "My God, you look different. Have you shrunk?"

9. "Yeah, well, the older you get, the uglier you get."

10. "I'm so depressed. I was in the grocery store and ran into someone with a cart full of food, and it made me realize how little I have to live on."

11. "That boy is about as sharp as a pound of wet liver."

12. “I do not see plays because I can nap at home for free. And I don’t see movies ’cause they’re trash, and they got nothin’ but naked people in ’em! And I don’t read books, ’cause if they’re any good, they’re gonna make ’em into a miniseries.”

13. “I am an old Southern woman, and I am supposed to wear funny clothes, ugly hats and dig in the dirt. I did not make the rules.”

14. “Don’t try to get on my good side. I no longer have one.”

15. “I just thought Sammy won’t mind you reading the Bible in bed as long as you’re wearing something inspirational.”

16. “Somebody’s gotta take ’em. I hate ’em. I try not to eat healthy food if I can possibly help it.”

17. “You are evil, and you must be destroyed.”

18. “You are a pig from hell.”

19. “Clairee, this is just a gesture. We’re not feedin’ Drum until the end of time.”

20. “I’m not as sweet as I used to be.”

21. "Yes, Annelle, I pray! Well, I do! There, I said it, I hope you’re satisfied.”

22. “Well, don’t you expect me to come to one of your churches or one of those tent-revivals with all those Bible-beaters doin’ God-only-knows-what! They’d probably make me eat a live chicken!”

The Sassy Truvy Jones Quotes

Now, if you thought Ouiser was witty enough, we share with you: the vivacious Truvy Jones. Truvy Jones is your typical next-door neighbor charming lady who doesn't miss a beat on getting the juicy scoops in their neighborhood. Her lively persona shines through in the movies.

She owns a beauty shop and is the receiver and dispenser of all town gossip. Dolly Parton does full justice to the character of Truvy Jones in 'Steel Magnolias'. A few quotes are given below.

23. "There's so much static electricity in the room, I pick up everything but boys and money."

24. "In a good shoe, I wear a size six, but a seven feels good, I buy a size eight."

25. "Smile! It increases your face value."

26. "Time marches on, and sooner or later, you realize it is marchin' across your face."

27. "Oh, honey, God don't care which church you go, long as you show up."

28. "Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion."

29. "There is no such thing as natural beauty."

30. "I have a strict policy that nobody cries alone in my presence."

31. "The nicest thing that I can say about her is that all her tattoos are spelled correctly."

32. “Oh, Sammy’s so confused he don’t know whether to scratch his watch or wind his butt.”

33. “I don’t like her. I don’t trust anyone who does their own hair. I don’t think it’s natural.”

34. “Oh, get with it, Clairee. This is the ’80s. If you can achieve puberty, you can achieve a past.”

35. "Time marches on, and sooner or later, you realize it is marching across your face."

36. "I haven't left the house without lycra on these thighs since I was 14."

37. “I’m just screamin’ at my husband; I can do that any time!”

38. “No time for thanks this morning; we’ll be busier than a one-armed paper hanger.”

39. “Oh, sweetheart, don’t. Please.. don’t cry, or I will too. I have a strict policy that nobody cries alone in my presence.”

40. “Now, see, that’s what really melts my butter.”

41. “Maybe she’s praying for Marshall and Drew and Belle. Maybe she’s praying for us because we’re gossiping. Maybe she’s praying because the elastic is shot in her pantyhose! She prays at the drop of a hat these days.”

42. “I kind of like hiring somebody with a past.”

43. Well, the last romantic thing my husband did for me was back in 1972. He enclosed this carport so that I could support him!

44. Jonathan, quick! Get that Easter Bunny over here now!

Funny And Inspirational Quotes By Clairee Belcher

Clairee Belcher is the wise-cracking, no-nonsense friend everyone wishes they had. She's the life of the party, always ready with a sharp quip or irreverent comment.

But beneath her brassy exterior, Clairee is a kind and loyal friend who provides support and advice when it's needed most. In Steel Magnolias, Clairee is the unofficial matriarch of the group, dispensing wisdom and offering words of comfort in times of trouble.

Here're some of Clairee Belcher's quotes to make you laugh and inspire.

45. "You sound almost chipper. What happened today? You run over a small child or something?"

46. "The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize."

47. "Well, you know what they say: if you don't have anything nice to say about anybody, come sit by me!"

48. "Ouiser, I'd recognize this penmanship anywhere. You have the handwriting of a serial killer."

49. "Ouiser could never stay mad at me; she worships the quicksand I walk on."

50. “Ouiser, this is your chance to do something for your fellow man. Knock her lights out, M’Lynn!”

51. “I really do love football, but it’s hard to parlay that into a reason to live.”

52. "Only fools fall in love...anybody can do that!"

53. “Looks like two pigs fightin’ under a blanket. “

54. “You know I love ya more than my luggage.”

55. “They were both high. They’d been smokin’ everything but their shoes.”

56. “She can’t be more than 18. She hasn’t had time to have a past.”

57. “Hit this! Go ahead, M’Lynn, slap her! … We’ll sell t-shirts sayin’ ‘I SLAPPED OUISER BOUDREAUX!'”

58. You made a very good catch, Shelby. Louisiana lawyers do well whether they want to or not!!

59. “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”

60. “Very good, Annelle! You’ve spoken like a true smart-ass!”

61. “At her age, she should be playin’ beat the clock.”

62. “Mother Nature’s taking care of that faster than you could.”

63. “You know, you would be a much more contented, pleasant person if you would find ways to occupy your time.”

64. “All gay men have track lightin’. And all gay men are named Mark, Rick, or Steve.”

65. Shelby, I hope you and Jackson will be as happy as Lloyd and I were. We had such a good time. Until November. Well, at least he hung on through the state playoffs.”

66. If it had hair, it'd be a Saint Bernard."

67. M'Lynn, you just missed the chance of a lifetime! Half o' Chiquapin Parish'd give their eye teeth to take a whack at Ouiser!

68. I just want to expose us to a little more culture. And that's not easy to come by in this neck of the woods.

69. Ousier's never done a religious thing in her life.

70. The older you get, the sillier you get.

Funny And Inspirational Quotes By M’Lynn Eatenton

Sally Field played the role of M'Lynn Eatenton in the movie Steel Magnolias, who is a strong and level-headed woman who is devoted to her family. She is the mother of Shelby, who has diabetes, and she is also very close to her husband, Drum.

M'Lynn is incredibly supportive of her family and friends, always being there for them when they need her.

Here're some of the famous quotes of M'Lynn Eatenton.

71. “That sanctuary looks like it’s been hosed down with Pepto-Bismol.”

72. “Oh my God, Shelby was right. My hair does look like a brown football helmet!”

73. “You are special, Shelby. There are limits to what you can do.”

74. “If he’s trying to drive me crazy, it’s too late.”

75. “I realize as a woman how lucky I am.”

76. “Oh, Ouiser, Drum would never point a gun at a lady!”

77. “There was no noise, no tremble, just peace.”

78. “Oh, God, I wanna know why. Why? Lord, I wish I could understand!”

79. “I can’t even begin to think how you make gray icing!”

80. “It’s not supposed to happen this way! I’m supposed to go first. I’ve always been ready to go first. I—I don’t think I can take this.”

81. “I was there when that wonderful creature drifted into my life, and I was there when she drifted out. It was the most precious moment of my life.”

82. "I find it amusing. Men are supposed to be made out of steel or something."

Funny And Inspirational Quotes By Shelby Eatenton

Shelby Eatenton is one of the most memorable characters from the film Steel Magnolias. Played by Julia Roberts, Shelby is a young woman with a zest for life. Despite her health problems, Shelby refuses to give up on her dreams and lives life to the fullest. She is always smiling and loves to make people laugh.

Here're some funny and inspirational quotes from Shelby Eatenton to make you smile.

83. "That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger...except for horses. They just kill you."

84. "She's so poor, she can't even afford to pay attention!"

85. “Mama, this nail polish is drying way too dark… looks like a stuck pig bled all over my hands.”

86. “Remember what Daddy always says: ‘An ounce of pretension is worth a pound of manure!'”

87. “Truvy, you know what you need in here? You need a radio—takes the pressure off of everyone feeling they have to talk so much.”

88. “You can’t screw up her hair. You just tease it and make it look like a brown football helmet.”

89. “Mama, you worry too much. In fact, I never worry ’cause I always know you’re worried enough for the both of us. Jackson and I have given this a lot of thought.”

90. "My dream is to sit on the back porch covered with grandchildren and say ‘no’ and ‘stop that.’”

91. “If Daddy catches you in here, whether or not I can carry your children will not matter. He will cut your thing off.”

92. "Pink is my signature color."

93. "I would rather have 30 minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special."

94. Well, we went skinny dipping, and we did things that frightened the fish."

Funny And Inspirational Quotes By Drum Eatenton

Drum Eatenton is one of the most memorable characters from Steel Magnolias. A successful businessman with a sharp wit, Drum is always quick to crack a joke, regardless of the situation. Here're some of his quotes to make you laugh.

95. "Oh, Ouiser -- I don't wanna have to kill you."

96. "Ouiser, can we call a truce long enough for me to get a piece of cake?"

97. “I got to scare away about five zillion birds this afternoon before Shelby’s reception. If I don’t, I’ll have to deal with my wife, and I make it a point to never deal with my wife.”

98. “I heard you got so screwed up you cut your dog out of your will and had an ungrateful nephew put to sleep!”

99. “Ouiser, you look like hammered shit.”

100. "Oh, I'm sorry you look like regular shit."

Funny And Inspirational Quotes By Annelle Desoto

Annelle Desoto is another memorable character of Steel Magnolias. She is a young woman who has recently moved to Louisiana from Arkansas. She is shy and introverted, and she feels out of place in her new town. However, she is a kind and caring person, and she is always willing to help her friends.

Here're a few quotes from Annelle Desoto to bring a smile to your life.

101. "My personal tragedy will not interfere with my ability to do good hair."

102. "Oh honey, time wounds all heels."

103. “I didn’t know if you would hire someone who may or may not be married to someone who might be a dangerous criminal.”

104. "Are you speaking of our Lord? Is that whose name you're taking in vain?"

105. "That is one ugly dog. What kind of dog is that?"

106. “Sammy Wayne Desoto, what is this in my Frigidaire?”

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