This article contains quotes of a sexual nature and mature topics.
After The Big Bang Theory.
Beverly Hofstadter isn't the warmest of mothers, but she sure did come out with some iconic quotes. Being introduced as Leonard's mother in the season 2 episode "The Maternal Capacitance" where she is visiting her son. She appears to be very professional and strong, always speaking her mind. But she never seems to let loose and enjoy herself, suggesting that she needs some kind of outlet, someone to talk to other than her academic equals.
“If You Want To Have Intercourse With That Girl, Find Out What Kind Of Cologne Her Father Wore."
Season 2 Episode 15 "The Maternal Capacitance"
Being a physiatrist, Beverly can be kind of bold and doesn't really filter what she says. She also psychoanalyzes everything anyone else says, including Penny's alleged father issues.
This isn't something people would usually say out loud, especially when it includes their own sons, but Beverly seems to say it so nonchalantly. This highlights her serious demeanor and proves that she isn't a very loving person, as she believes that everything should be kept professional and this includes her child's life when it comes to her research.
“Buck Up, Sissy Pants!”
Season 5 Episode 1 "The Skank Reflex Analysis"
This is another quote that proves that asking Mrs. Hofstadter for advice isn't the best idea when looking for a constructive answer. She lacks comion, and even when talking to her son, she seems uninterested in his life and his problems.
Hearing this from his mother does induce some muffled laughter, as Leonard needs some real advice, and the audience can't help but love Beverly's seemingly uninterested one-liners, however harsh they may be.
“So Howard, Have You And Rajesh Finally Summoned The Courage To Express Your Latent Homosexual Feelings Towards One Another?"
Season 3 Episode 1 "The Electric Can Opener Fluctuation"
This is another example of Mrs. Hofstadter's no-filter musings. Although a long line, it perfectly sums up her ability to say something completely random in a serious tone and absolutely mean it. She doesn't realize what she says isn't appropriate.
Raj and Howard's close relationship is a running gag throughout the show and Beverly says exactly what's on her mind. She doesn't know them well, but she still draws her own conclusions and her investigative nature means she is looking to have an answer, one way or the other. This quote makes it clear that she always feels that she's extra perceptive when it comes to other people and their relationships, but often misses the mark.
“I Think You Mean Young. He's Always Been Little.”
Season 2 Episode 15 "The Maternal Capitance"
Beverly loves to correct everyone around her and she and Sheldon have that in common. She always asks people to be more specific and here tells Penny she means young, not little. This not-so-subtle dig at her son isn't untrue but isn't something one would hear a devoted mother say about her child in way that's obviously a dig.
Since her research has taken place since Leonard's birth, it could mean she is more attentive than he thinks, but at face value, it just seems like she's trying make a degrading comment directed at her son. But with the running gag that Leonard is short, this quote does crack some smiles from the audience.
“Why Didn't You Tell Me You're Tapping My Homegirl?"
Season 2 Episode 15 "The Maternal Capitance"
Beverly doesn't seem the type to let loose and party, but one night with Penny and some tequila, her whole personality changed.
On the outside, Beverly seems professional and serious, but what she really wants is a girlfriend to have fun with and open up to because she doesn't have anyone like Penny in her life. This makes her finally proud of her son for marrying so well. It was also quite funny, and Leonard is rightfully taken aback by it.
“Common Complaint Among Men: Nothing’s Ever Big Enough.”
Season 2 Episode 15 "The Maternal Capitance"
This line reminds the audience of Mrs. Hofstadter's rocky marriage to her ex-husband. There is clearly no love lost between her and Leonard's father.
It could also be said that Beverly seems to have a lot of experience with men, according to her conversation with Penny later in the show. This quote is relatable to all the women in the viewing audience who have experienced a disappointing relationship with a man, while also giving them a good laugh, too.
"Hello To You, You Wrinkled Old Bastard."
Season 10 Episode 1 "The Conjugal Conjecture"
There quote received some loud laughs in the studio audience and even from some cast . Beverly's long and stressful divorce from Leonard's father is a running gag through most of the show, and there is clearly some animostiry between her and her now ex-husband.
Everyone is clearly taken aback by this statement, but Leonard doesn't seem fazed, highlighting his rough childhood and showing he has experienced this before.
"She Doesn't Have Much In The Way Of Career Prospects, Don't Make Her Responsible For Her Own Orgasms, As Well."
Season 3 Episode 11 "The Maternal Congruence"
Although she means well, Mrs. Hofstadter has a frequent habit of saying exactly what's on her mind, and with a life married to someone she had problems with, she feels she needs to look out for Penny, someone she recently bonded with.
In her mind, she is helping the couple, doing them a favor by giving them this advice, but it isn't something the average person wants to discuss, especially a mother and son. It is quite a bold sentence, something people would probably keep to themselves, especially in front of their sons, but not Beverly.
"Watching You Develop, Tracking Your Progress. I Know I'm Not The Warmest Of Parents, But It Was Time We Spent Together, And Honestly, Those Are Some Of My Fondest Memories."
Season 12 Episode 17 "The Conference Valuation"
Beverly Hofstadter is clearly not the warmest of mothers to Leonard, but it is clear she does love him a lot and just has a funny (read: bad) way of showing it.
Leonard has always expressed his unhappiness that he didn't get the childhood many other children had, as Leonard's parents constantly withheld affection for their experiments. During this episode, however, Beverly did a complete 360 and said something completely out of character and even somewhat loving.
"No, I'd Rather Have The Busboy."
Season 2 Episode 15 "The Maternal Capitance"
For someone so serious and professional as Beverly, lacking what can only be described as basic human comion, this line is completely unexpected and out of character.
She doesn't seem to let lose a lot, but once she spends a night with lively Penny, she seems to open up more, showing all she needed was an outlet. She has never met anyone like Penny, and she feels somewhat comfortable around her, not something she feels with anyone else. Of course that could just be the alcohol or the Del Taco.