28 quotes
Miscommunication and Ambiguity in Relationships
Tess McGill
Why did you say you weren't you last night?
Jack Trainer
Because I knew it would happen. All Mergers and Acquisitions. No lust and tequila.
Tess McGill
That was... I mean that just happened, okay? I want to make it clear, um... What did happen, exactly?
Jack Trainer
The earth moved. The angels wept. The Polaroids are, are, uh... are in my other coat. Nothing happened. Nothing happened!
[gropes about in his coat pockets; grins]
Tess McGill
I woke up in my underwear.
Jack Trainer
I'll bet you look nice.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Proposal with Uncertain Response
Mick Dugan
Tess, will you marry me?
Tess McGill
Maybe.
Mick Dugan
Ya call that an answer?
Tess McGill
You want another answer, ask another girl.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Navigating Social Challenges and Misunderstandings
Tess McGill
Shoot me, just shoot me.
Cynthia
Will you cut that out, they didn't throw you out, did they?
Tess McGill
Well, they don't exactly have bouncers at these things, they're a little more subtle than that, Cyn. Oh God, and last night!
Cynthia
Yeah, I should've checked the miligrams. Live and learn. Well, maybe, he'll feel sorry for you and make it up to your doing your deal or whatever it is.
Tess McGill
I'm not looking for sympathy. You know, I had a shot at it... you know!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Unique Encounter in Business Attire
Jack Trainer
I've been looking for you.
Tess McGill
Why, do you know me?
Jack Trainer
No. No, but I promised myself that when I saw you, I would get to know you. You're the first woman I've seen in one of these damn things that dresses like a woman, not like a woman thinks a man would dress if he was a woman.
Tess McGill
Thank you I guess.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Conflict Over Commitment and Communication
Mick Dugan
I want to get things solidified. Things in my life! You're not the only one with plans, you know!
Tess McGill
I said, maybe.
Mick Dugan
Maybe means dick! Fuck maybe! I want an answer now!
Tess McGill
Please, don't yell at me! You treat me like I'm dumb!
Mick Dugan
Why are we always talkin about the way you get treated, huh? Who the fuck died and made you Grace Kelly?!
Tess McGill
I am not steak! You can't just order me!
Mick Dugan
Look, I don't need this! You get your priorities straight, maybe we'll talk. Right now, we're history.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Ambition and the Complexity of Rules
Tess McGill
You can bend the rules plenty once you get to the top, but not while you're trying to get there. And if you're someone like me, you can't get there without bending the rules
Oren Trask
You've got a real fire in your belly. Or was this just a one-time stunt that you pulled?
Tess McGill
I'm not quite sure what you mean, sir. I've got something in my belly, but I think it's nervous knots.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Humorous Story Behind a Scar
Tess McGill
How did you get the scar?
Jack Trainer
Some guy pulled a knife in Detroit.
Tess McGill
Really?
Jack Trainer
No. No, I was nineteen and I thought it'd be cool to have a pierced ear. My girlfriend stuck the needle through and I heard this pop and fainted and hit my chin on the toilet.
Tess McGill
Have you been telling that story ever since?
[laughs]
Jack Trainer
You're the only one who knows the true story.
Tess McGill
Except the girlfriend?
Jack Trainer
I had her, uh... disappear. It's too bad. Nice girl. Real shame.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Desire for Practical Fashion Choices
Tess McGill
Y'know, Mick, just once I could go for like a sweater or some earrings... something that I could actually wear outside of this apartment?
[Mick has bought Tess some lingerie for her birthday]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Confrontation Over Betrayal in the Workplace
Tess McGill
Look, you, maybe you've got everyone around here fooled with this saint act you have going, but do not ever speak to me again like we don't know what really happened! You got me?
[to Katharine]
Katherine Parker
Tess, this is business. Let's just bury the hatchet, okay?
Tess McGill
You know where you can bury your hatchet? Now get your bony ass outta my sight! And if you really think that I said I loved you as part of some scheme, then that is really pathetic, you know?
[to Jack]
Katharine Parker
My God, she'll stop at nothing.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Business Acumen and Personal Appeal
Tess McGill
I have a head for business and a bod for sin. Is there anything wrong with that?
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Navigating Business and Personal Boundaries
Tess McGill
Look, we're in a business deal together now, and I just don't think that we should get involved that way. My life is real complicated as it is.
[to Jack]
Jack Trainer
I don't want to complicate it either. I just thought dinner, maybe a movie.
Tess McGill
We both know what we're talking about.
Jack Trainer
I certainly hope so!
Tess McGill
You know, maybe I just don't like you.
Jack Trainer
Me? Naaah!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Celebration of Achievement and Independence
Cynthia
You got it! Oh, my God! I can't believe it! She's out! She made it out! She got out! She has her own office!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Value of Material Possessions Questioned
Cynthia
Six thousand dollars? It's not even leather!
[looking at a dress]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Desk Ownership Dispute in the Workplace
Alice Baxter
Uhm, Ms. McGill?
Tess McGill
Yes.
Alice Baxter
That's your desk... in there...
[pointing to private office]
Tess McGill
I don't think so.
Alice Baxter
Oh, yes. I sit out here.
Tess McGill
Sorry, I thought the secretary would sit out here...
Alice Baxter
That's right, I'm the secretary. If you don't mind, I'd prefer assistant...Maybe now would be a good time to go over what you expect from me, Ms. McGill.
Tess McGill
I expect you to call me "Tess". I don't expect you to fetch me coffee, unless you're getting some for yourself...and we'll just make up the rest as we go along.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Resilience in Winning and Losing
Tagline
For anyone who's ever won. For anyone who's ever lost. And for everyone who's still in there trying.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Corporate Tensions and Power Struggles
Katharine Parker
Oren, I beg your pardon, but if you are insinuating...
Oren Trask
Miss Parker, if I were you... I'd go to your office and take a long last look around. Because in about five minutes, I'm going to see to it that you get the boot... but good!
Katharine Parker
Oren, this is a simple misunderstanding and I... You cannot...
Oren Trask
I can and I will! Now get your... What was that you called it?
[to Tess]
Tess McGill, Jack Trainer
Bony ass.
Oren Trask
Right... your bony ass out of my sight!
Katharine Parker
I'm sorry... but I simply won't stand for that kind of talk. Will you excuse me, please?
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Tess McGill's Unexpected Location Update
Tess McGill
Hey, Cyn. Guess where I am.
[from her new, private office]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Importance of Communication Skills
Tess McGill
No lunch. I got speech class.
Cynthia
What'dya need speech class for? You talk fine!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Strategic Partnership Proposal from Katherine
Katharine Parker
Dear Jack, There's a light bulb over my head. I know Trask and you know media. And that adds up to us finally doing a deal together. Let's run with it. Best, Katherine.
[on computer]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Cleaning Device Explanation in Working Girl
Cynthia
Why does it do that?
[watching a chandelier that lowers from the ceiling]
Tess McGill
For cleaning...
Cynthia
Are you kiddin me?
Tess McGill
No, I'm not.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Embracing Imperfection in Everyday Moments
Cynthia
Sometimes I sing and dance around the house in my underwear. Doesn't make me Madonna. Never will.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Antihistamines and Unexpected Buzzes
Tess McGill
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, oh boy.
[after taking several shots of tequila]
Jack Trainer
You okay?
Tess McGill
Mmm, I'm fine. I'm just fine. I took an antihistamine before, and it makes for a nice little buzz.
Jack Trainer
Oh, I didn't know that they let bad girls into these things.
Tess McGill
Do I look like I don't belong here?
Jack Trainer
No. No, I'm sure that you're a real ace in whatever it is that you do do.
Tess McGill
Damn straight.
Jack Trainer
But how you look...
Tess McGill
I have a head for business and a bod for sin. Is there anything wrong with that?
Jack Trainer
Uh, no. No.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Anticipation of a Proposal
Katharine Parker
I think he's it, and I think this could be the weekend we decide. He said that there was something very important that he wanted to discuss with me. I think he's going to pop the question.
Tess McGill
What if he doesn't?... pop the question?
Katharine Parker
I really don't think that's a variable. We're in the same city now, I've indicated that I'm receptive to an offer, I've cleared the month of June... and I am, after all, me.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Navigating Ambition and Consequences in Life
Cynthia
Look, all I'm saying is, if you're so smart, why don't you act smart and save your ass while you still can. Else they're gonna find out, you're not gonna have your job, or any job. You're outta your man and your home already!
Tess McGill
I'm gonna come clean as soon as I get my end set up. I swear. I know what I'm doing.
Cynthia
Yeah, so do I... screwing up your life.
Tess McGill
No, I'm trying to make it better! I'm not gonna spend the rest of my life working my ass off and getting nowhere just because I followed rules that I had nothing to do with setting up, okay?
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Frustration with a Colleague's Ambition
Katharine Parker
Why that little... slut! That goddamn little... bitch! Secretary!
[Upon reading Tess' day planner]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Office Banter Among Colleagues
Cynthia
Can I get ya anything, Mr. Trainer? Coffee? Tea? Me?
Tess McGill
Isn't she a riot. That'll be all, Cynthia.
[to Jack]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Navigating Workplace Relationships and Social Dynamics
Katharine Parker
Ugh! What a slob.
Tess McGill
You were so smooth with him. I probably would have...
Katharine Parker
Never burn bridges. Today's junior prick, tomorrow's senior partner. So, how do you think the party's going?
Tess McGill
Pretty well, I think. Should I stop serving now?
Katherine Parker
Better make one more round.
Tess McGill
Right.
Katharine Parker
I'd love to help you but... we can't busy the quarterback with passing out the Gatorade.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Confronting Workplace Dynamics and Power Imbalance
Personnel Director
Tess, Tess, Tess...
Tess McGill
I know.
Personnel Director
You won't get anywhere by calling your boss a pimp.
Tess McGill
Well, he is.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.