You Don't Have to Be a Downton Abbey Fan to Love These Sassy Lady Violet Lines

Maggie Smith's Lady Violet has some of the best one-liners on Downton Abbey, not just because she's wise, but because the woman is straight-up sassy. Now that Smith has won yet another Emmy for her role, we're becoming contemplative of all the times Countess of Grantham says what's on her mind — regardless of who's within earshot. Take a look at some of her greatest moments, in GIFs!

01
When she slyly remarks on the family drama.
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When she slyly remarks on the family drama.

02
When she throws shade at Lord Grantham.
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When she throws shade at Lord Grantham.

03
When she entertained the idea of working that one time.
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When she entertained the idea of working that one time.

04
When she imparts some wisdom about being a woman.
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When she imparts some wisdom about being a woman.

05
When she has a secret.
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When she has a secret.

06
When she rings this bell forever.
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When she rings this bell forever.

08
When she proves to be the master of the back-handed compliment.
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When she proves to be the master of the back-handed compliment.

09
When she is just kind of a jerk.
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When she is just kind of a jerk.

10
When she has no patience for cursing.
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When she has no patience for cursing.

11
When she puts her foot down.
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When she puts her foot down.

12
When she doesn't care about saving face for someone else.
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When she doesn't care about saving face for someone else.

13
When Lady Edith is being lame and she shuts her down.
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When Lady Edith is being lame and she shuts her down.

15
Then, when she at least tried to say something nice.
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Then, when she at least tried to say something nice.

16
When she tries to give uplifting advice.
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When she tries to give uplifting advice.

17
When she's hangry.
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When she's hangry.

18
When she admittedly doesn't care about what other people are saying.
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When she admittedly doesn't care about what other people are saying.

19
When she brings toads into the mix.
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When she brings toads into the mix.

20
When she casually makes threats of violence.
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When she casually makes threats of violence.

22
When she talks to her grown son like he's still a child.
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When she talks to her grown son like he's still a child.

23
When she doesn't even bother whispering.
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When she doesn't even bother whispering.

24
When she just calls it like she sees it.
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When she just calls it like she sees it.

25
And finally, when she actually says this out loud.
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And finally, when she actually says this out loud.