“I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly.”
- November 30, 1874 – January 24, 1965
- British
- Politician, army officer, writer
- As British Prime Minister during World War II, he led the Allied powers to victory
Quote
“I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly.”
Explanation
In this quote, Winston Churchill humorously and bluntly responds to an insult with a sharp and witty retort. The remark plays on the idea of temporary states—Churchill acknowledges that while he may be drunk in the moment, this is a temporary condition that will wear off by morning. On the other hand, the insulting comment about the woman’s appearance is something that will remain unchanged, no matter how sober he becomes. Churchill’s use of humor here combines both self-deprecation and boldness, showing his ability to respond to criticism with a sharp wit and a fearless sense of humor.
This quote is often attributed to Churchill’s reputation for having a quick wit and his sometimes cutting remarks, particularly in social or political settings. He was known to be both charming and provocative with his words, using humor to navigate difficult conversations and maintain his dominant presence in any interaction.
In a broader sense, this quote highlights the power of wit in deflecting insults and maintaining composure in the face of criticism. It also reflects Churchill’s confidence in his own self-awareness, as he is able to deflect attention from his own condition (being drunk) while turning the tables on his critic. This type of humor can be seen as a way of asserting control in a situation where one might otherwise feel vulnerable.
