"When I'm good, I'm very good. But when I'm bad I'm better"

Mae West’s iconic words, “When I'm good, I'm very good. But when I'm bad I'm better,” encapsulate not only her signature wit, but also a subversive confidence that helped define her persona as a legendary figure in entertainment. The phrase begins with a display of self-assurance regarding her virtue or performative excellence: “When I'm good, I'm very good.” It suggests someone who excels even within conventional bounds, someone talented and exceptional by the ordinary standards of society.

The statement then pivots with a provocative twist: “But when I'm bad I'm better.” Here, Mae West reverses the moral expectation that ‘bad’ should be lesser than ‘good,’ and instead claims superiority in her defiance or naughtiness. This clever inversion is both playful and rebellious, especially when considered in the context of early 20th-century gender norms. Rather than apologizing for behaviors or qualities that might have been reprimanded as improper or scandalous in her era, she amplifies them, asserting they make her not just different, but even more captivating or remarkable.

What emerges is a celebration of audacity and a challenge to the binary of good versus bad, especially as imposed on women’s behavior. West's quip suggests that embracing one's complexity, mischievousness, or sexuality can be a source of power rather than shame. Such self-acceptance and boldness can lead to greater self-expression and, perhaps counterintuitively, even greater success or allure.

The humor in the quote allows it to disarm critics and invite admiration. It acknowledges society’s fascination with both virtue and vice, and suggests that authentic magnetism lies in confidently claiming every part of oneself. Ultimately, Mae West’s declaration remains an anthem for unapologetic individuality, playful rebellion, and the assertion that sometimes breaking the rules isn’t just enjoyable, it’s empowering.