A masterclass on insults from the quick-tongued Queen of the Ozarks.
One of the most wonderful things a great TV series can offer is the chance to bond with a beloved character. Ever more rare and exciting, however, is the twisted, tumultuous love affair that occurs when a character sidesteps our expectations of appropriate conduct and presents instead as a deeply flawed, but irresistibly complex antihero. Despite our best efforts to condemn whatever wrongdoing they throw our way, we cannot help but lean into them, cheer for them, and ultimately love them.
Such is the case with Ozark’s Ruth Langmore — one of the most dynamic, layered, and sharp-tongued female characters to grace our screens in recent years. Since Season 1, Ruth’s hot temper and quick wit burned bright within the shadowy Ozark universe, an unusual but reliable beacon among a cast of equally shady characters. While Ruth is far deeper than her outer armor of thorny insults, we would be remiss to pay tribute to our antihero without shining a spotlight on some of the cleverly crafted verbal takedowns she’s hurled at various (and very unfortunate) recipients over the past few seasons.
In honor of Ruth and her endlessly sharp tongue, we’ve put together some of her most scathing insults to date.
“Your son was a murdering bitch. And now I know where he got it from.”
Insultee: Camila Elizonndro (Season 4, Episode 14)
The fact that I’m not talking your high rollers out of coming to your casino is a reason to thank me, not sic your fucking teenager on me.
Insultee: Marty Byrde (Season 4, Episode 4)
Wendy’s playing chess and you’re playing fucking Candyland.
Insultee: Deputy Ronnie Wycoff (Season 4, Episode 10)
“I don’t work for you no more. And just cause you let that cunt get her fist up your ass does not mean you can get yours up mine.”
Insultee: Marty Byrde (Season 4, Episode 5)
Six months ago you thought 'liquidity' was what happened when you spilled your bong.
Insultee: Wyatt Langmore (Season 4, Episode 3)
Shut your fuck-nugget mouth and get the hell out.
Insultee: Russ Langmore (Season 1, Episode 6)
“If you’re a killer, then I’m fucking Snow White, and I don’t see any dwarfs around.”
Insultee: Marty Byrde (Season 1, Episode 5)
Before you go sticking your dick in decisions above your pay grade, ask yourself: Do you really want to have to toss it in a Yeti while you pray the doctors can sew it back on?
Insultee: Darlene's Drug Producer (Season 4, Episode 3)
“What the fuck are you going to do?! Kill me?! You fucking bitch wolf?!”
Insultee: Wendy Byrde (Season 3, Episode 10)
This is a casino. Acceptable activities include gambling, drinking, inhaling hot wings at the buffet. Nursing free drinks while you ogle gamblers like a creeper — not on my list.
Insultee: Ben Davis (Season 3, Episode 2)
“You’re a low-rent daddy’s boy who can’t even pay to get respect.”
Insultee: Frank Cosgrove Jr. (Season 3, Episode1)
Lord help you if you eat all my Pringles.
Insultee: Wyatt Langmore (Season 1, Episode 6)