25 Colorful Quotes from Steel Magnolias

STEEL MAGNOLIAS, Dolly Parton, Olympia Dukakis, 1989
Photo: Everett Collection

Steel Magnolias is filled with many things: friendship, love, and laughter. Something else it isn't short on? Quotable moments. We've gathered 25 of our favorite quotes from the film that brought the South its (unofficial) signature color. It has been over 30 years since the movie premiered and it still has a major impact with fans. Thanks to M'Lynn, Truvy, Shelby, Ouiser, Clairee, and Annelle we will always have great one-liners.

01 of 26

"If he's trying to drive me crazy it's too late."

M'Lynn Quote
Graphic by Betsy Lovell

—M'Lynn

02 of 26

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

M'Lynn Quote
Graphic by Betsy Lovell

—M'Lynn

03 of 26

"I can usually spot a bottle job at 20 paces."

Truvy Quote
Graphic by Betsy Lovell

—Truvy

04 of 26

"It takes some effort to look like this."

Truvy Quote
Graphic by Betsy Lovell

—Truvy

05 of 26

"I don't trust anybody that does their own hair. I don't think it's normal."

Truvy Quote
Graphic by Betsy Lovell

—Truvy

06 of 26

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

Truvy Quote
Graphic by Betsy Lovell

—Truvy

07 of 26

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

Truvy Quote
Graphic by Betsy Lovell

—Truvy

08 of 26

"Honey, time marches on and eventually you realize it's marchin' across your face."

Truvy Quote
Graphic by Betsy Lovell

—Truvy

09 of 26

"Smile—it increases your face value."

Truvy Quote
Graphic by Betsy Lovell

—Truvy

10 of 26

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

Truvy Quote
Graphic by Betsy Lovell

—Truvy

11 of 26

"Ugh. Leave me alone."

Ouiser Quote
Graphic by Betsy Lovell

—Ouiser

12 of 26

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

Ouiser Quote
Graphic by Betsy Lovell

—Ouiser

13 of 26

"I'm not crazy...I've just been in a very bad mood for 40 years."

Ouiser Quote
Graphic by Betsy Lovell

—Ouiser

14 of 26

"There, my secret is out. I am having an affair with a Mercedes Benz."

Ouiser Quote
Graphic by Betsy Lovell

—Ouiser

15 of 26

Colorful Quotes From Steel Magnolias

16 of 26

"You can't screw up her hair. You just tease it and make it look like a brown football helmet."

Shelby Quote
Graphic by Betsy Lovell

—Shelby

17 of 26

"I just like the idea of growing old with somebody."

Shelby Quote
Graphic by Betsy Lovell

—Shelby

18 of 26

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

Shelby Quote
Graphic by Betsy Lovell

—Shelby

19 of 26

"I really do love football, but it is hard to parlay that into a reason to live."

Clairee Quote
Graphic by Betsy Lovell

—Clairee

20 of 26

"I'm just too colorful for words."

Clairee Quote
Graphic by Betsy Lovell

—Clairee

21 of 26

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

Clairee Quote
Graphic by Betsy Lovell

—Clairee

22 of 26

"If you can't say anything nice about anybody, come sit by me."

Clairee Quote
Graphic by Betsy Lovell

—Clairee

23 of 26

"You know I love you more than my luggage."

Clairee Quote
Graphic by Betsy Lovell

—Clairee

24 of 26

"You have the handwriting of a serial killer."

Clairee Quote
Graphic by Betsy Lovell

—Clairee

25 of 26

"It's in the 'freezes beautifully' section of my cookbook."

Annelle Quote
Graphic by Betsy Lovell

—Annelle

26 of 26

"I didn't know if you would hire someone who may or may not be married to someone who might be a dangerous criminal."

Annelle Quote
Graphic by Betsy Lovell

—Annalle

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