Context
This line is spoken by Dorothy Boyd, played by Renée Zellweger, in the film Jerry Maguire, directed by Cameron Crowe (1996).
Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise), puts his career as an agent for sports ahead of his marriage to Dorothy, forcing him to divorce her.
Big mistake.
He realizes how badly he has messed up and shows up at Dorothy’s apartment to confess his love for her, win her back, and show off his affection.
He begins with “Hello”, rambles on, does some humblebragging, and finally tells Dorothy “I love you.” You complete me,” keeps thegoneapp.com eventually, but Dorothy can’t take anymore. She tells him to shut up, “You had my attention at hello,” and everyone in attendance swoons.
You’ve heard it everywhere
This quote is the epitome of love-at-first-sight, and it can be used in romantic speeches about the subject.
Other Noteable References
- NPR speaks out about a study that examines first impressions. It is called “You Had Me at Hello.”
- Ex-Mr. Renée Zellweger, Kenny Chesney, has a song, “You Had Me at Hello.”
- This is not related to the above quote. But, there’s a Chicago performance group with over 4,667 Jerry Maguire VHS tapes.
- Beyonce used this quote in “Hello”
- What can you say to a computer programmer. You knew I was going to say “hello world!”
Pretentious Factor
This quote would be a great conversation starter at any dinner party. Would you get an “awww” in unison? Or would everyone just look at you and not invite you back? This is it, on a scale 1-10.
This romantic phrase can easily be translated into any language. You had me at Hola in Spanish. You made me feel at home in bonjour in French. And you had me at zug-zug in Orcish.
