If there's one thing to know about Lorelai Gilmore, it's that she has quite a way with words. Whether it's an obscure pop culture reference or a biting remark about caffeine, her mother, or the day's frustration, Gilmore Girls created countless quotes from Lauren Graham's iconic character. No matter how long it's been, these quotes are still at the top of our mind.
It's been 25 years since we first met Lorelai and Rory, as Gilmore Girls first made its premiere on The WB in October 2000. Since then, millions of new fans have found the show through streaming on Netflix, allowing a whole new generation to discover the delights of the quirky world of Stars Hollow and each of its amazing residents. Obviously, Lorelai's the queen.
While some fans might disagree, Lorelai is by far the best and most iconic character from Gilmore Girls, and the show would have been nothing without Graham's incredible line readings of Lorelai's various one-liners and quippy references. Between smelling snow and hating Mondays, Lorelai has said it all, shared her opinion, and offered her wisdom. These are the seven quotes we love most!
"I smell snow."
It's simple and says exactly what it means, but "I smell snow" might be Lorelai Gilmore's most iconic quote out of all seven seasons and the revival of Gilmore Girls. Lorelai utters this phrase a couple times in the series, first in season 1. She has a special relationship with snow and loves its magic. She can sense the first snow of the season, a superpower few might have. Even though she once feuded with snow, Lorelai and snow go together almost as well as Lorelai and coffee.
"I need caffeine. Whatever form you've got, I haven't had any all day. I'll drink it, shoot it, eat it, snort it, whatever form it's in, gimme."
Speaking of coffee, there are so many Lorelai Gilmore quotes relating to coffee and good. Our girl loves some coffee, especially from Luke's. The very first scene of the series even features Lorelai asking Luke for another cup of coffee! There's nothing she won't do for coffee, and this quote from season 2 might be the best expression of her undying love for the caffeinated beverage. It's the perfect representation for those of us who are dramatic in our desperation for caffeine!
"You are full of hate and loathing and I gotta tell you, I love it!"
Something Lorelai Gilmore will never turn down is a chance to rant or entertain a loved one's rant. Angry about the most minor inconvenience? Lorelai's mad right there with you on your behalf! She never misses an opportunity to express herself and help others express themselves. Some might call that messy, others will call it loyalty. This quote from season 1 has never left our minds and helps us channel our inner Lorelai when we're in the mood to complain just to complain.
"I don't like Mondays, but unfortunately they come around eventually.”
Now look, this quote from the season 6 finale will give some of us horrible flashbacks to one of the show's most contentious twists. (See: Luke and Lorelai breaking up and Lorelai sleeping with Christopher.) But even when she was fighting with Luke about their postponed wedding and giving him an ultimatum, she was able to hit him with this hilarious and all too relatable one-liner. We all have to deal with things we don't like all the time, even Mondays. Still, this scene stings.
"I'm afraid once your heart is involved, it all comes out in moron."
Lorelai Gilmore isn't just a tome of pop culture references and thoughts on coffee and cynicism. She also has her fair share of romantic wisdom to impart. More often than not, she's using her experiences in love to help guide Rory through her first love, second love, and everything after. This quote doesn't mince words in its honesty, which is the Lorelai thing to do. But it's also comforting that no matter how hard you try, sometimes you're just damned to be a little corny in matters of the heart.
"I just got the Jimmy Carter reference."
Compared to the rest of the Lorelai Gilmore quotes featured on this list, the last two are not as widely used, but they are personal favorites that will also ring in my brain. Gilmore Girls season 4 offered a soft reboot as Rory went off to Yale, and the season premiere found the mother and daughter returning from their summer trip and rushing Rory to get ready. When Emily holds Rory hostage, she makes a Jimmy Carter reference that Lorelai doesn't understand at first. But when she eventually does, she has a contagious laughing fit. You don't even have to get the Jimmy Carter reference to laugh with her. Out of context, this quote has no meaning, but real Gilmore fans get it.
"Your daughter is about to see Richard Gere’s penis. Enjoy your celery."
There are hundreds more Lorelai Gilmore quotes that could live rent-free in our minds since basically everything she says is quotable. But there's really nothing that truly captures her overall vibe and essence quite like this throwaway line from Lane's bachelorette party in season 6. Christopher won't stop texting Rory, and this is how Lorelai steps in to keep him quiet for a bit before they watch American Gigolo. See? She's a wordsmith that Lorelai Gilmore!