Happy 40th Birthday Quotes and Sayings

They say life begins at forty. Some even say forty is really the new thirty today. Most all of us will say they certainly don’t feel old at 40. Many men and women in their 40s still look great. They feel even better.

(1) One explanation for that is 40-somethings often are more health-conscious. They are more confident about themselves. More independent. They’re no longer trying to please everyone else.

(2) Age at 40 is really just a number. Hitting what is known as the Big Four-Oh feels pretty much like it did at 39. Sure, there are a few fine lines that creep in here and there. A few gray hairs have made it on top, and our eyesight is not as sharp at midlife.

We “forties” are people of greater depth, wisdom, and elegance. Reaching 40 is a reason to feel glad and be thankful. It’s a time to look forward to what lies ahead for us.

Do you have a friend or loved one who is about to turn forty? Take this opportunity to greet him or her with good wishes. Acknowledge what he/she has accomplished so far. It’s sometimes OK to joke with a funny message about getting old. But, think twice: a more positive and uplifting message could be far more appreciated.

Funny 40th Birthday Sayings

We’ve explained it can be OK to send funny birthday messages to those turning 40. It will take a good sense of humor on the other end, too. Try one of these upbeat, more positive quotes:

  • “Life is a book and your forties are the chapters when it all starts making sense. Happy 40th birthday.”
  • “May all the dreams you’ve ever had in the last 39 years start to be fulfilled on your 40th birthday!”
  • “Happy birthday! Hoping your 40s will feel incredibly new and exciting like your 20s — only doubly so!
  • “Sure, your 30s are over. Good riddance, I say. The 40s are going to be so much better…in every way. So enjoy your 40th!”
  • “Turning 40 is a celebration of life, a milestone of achievements, wisdom, and adventures. Look how far you have come. Congratulations! Happy Birthday!”
  • “You were the coolest 30-year-old I know and now you will be the coolest 40 year-olds ever. Stay groovy. Happy 40th birthday!”
  • “You and wine have plenty in common. Like wine, you get more and more delicious every year — certainly more priceless. Now let’s celebrate your 40th birthday!”

Inspirational 40th Birthday Quotes

The 30s are over, for better or worse. Here’s some inspiration for sending to those hitting 40:

  • “You’re no longer 30-something. You’re now a 40-somebody! It’s time to make your 40th birthday a real humdinger!”
  • “With so many wonderful accomplishments under your belt, I am sure that you hold no regrets up to this point in your life. Celebrate this beautiful milestone. Happy 40th birthday!”
  • “So, I was just wondering… how old should we tell everyone you are this year? I don’t think anyone would believe that you’re turning 35 again for the fifth year in a row. Happy 40th Birthday!”
  • “Say goodbye, adieu, adios, arrivederci, cheerio, sayonara, au revoir, so long to your 30s. May they rest in peace! Say hello, howdy, Bonjour, Buenos Dias, what’s up to 40! Long live the 40s.”
  • “40 is not over the hill. It’s not even the top of the hill. It’s actually all uphill from here. If you don’t believe me, try running up an actual hill.”
  • “By this time in your life, you have touched so many lives and led a good example to those around you. Stay bright and inspiring. Best forty birthday.”
  • “Congratulations on the 24th anniversary of your 16th birthday! Here’s to many more.”

Happy 40th Birthday Images

Here are some 40th birthday images that will make someone smile. Enjoy those 40s:

fierce, fabulous and forty!

The first 40 years of childhood are always the hardest!

Cheers to 40 years

Aged 40 years vintage dude

40th birthday survival kit

40 years that`s 4 decades 480 months...

40 and fabulous

40th Birthday Wishes

You don’t have to know someone turning 40 to enjoy these birthday wishes:

  • “Happy birthday! Even at 40, you look half your age. You should really bottle up and sell whatever you’re doing to stay so incredibly young-looking.”
  • “Happy birthday, make your every day of your life meaningful and enjoying, take care.”
  • “Happy birthday! At 40, your body may not always do what you want it to do but your mind is as sharp as ever. That’s why you should only exercise your mind, not your body.”
  • “Turning 40 is a celebration of life, a milestone of achievements, wisdom, and adventures. Look how far you have come. Congratulations! Happy Birthday!”
  • “It’s not your 40th birthday we’re celebrating today — it’s actually the second anniversary of your 39th birthday. Happy 40th birthday!”
  • “You were the coolest 30-year-old I know and now you will be the coolest 40-year-old ever. Stay groovy. Happy 40th birthday!”
  • “Happy birthday! You simply look amazing. In all fairness, start aging like a normal person and give the rest of us a break.”

Happy 40th Birthday Pictures for Him and for Her

Choose from this variety of images we have chosen for a happy 40th birthday:

40 and fabulous birthday blend

1978 limited edition

40 today happy birthday

Happy 40th birthday

40 and fabulous flowers card

40 happy birthday

40th birthday wishes

Funny Fortieth Bday Messages for Husband

OK, ladies. What can you say to make sure your man feels great on his 40th birthday? We have some ideas:

  • “OMG! You’re the absolute best… I can’t thank you enough for turning forty before I did. I owe you big time, so the cake is on me. Happy 40th birthday.”
  • “Turning forty is not as bad as they say – it means your awesome, cool, smart, and hip, times forty! What could be bad about that? Happy 40th you, babe.”
  • “Don’t think of 40 as halfway to 80 and oblivion. In fact, don’t think about turning 40 at all. Think about all the things you can do at 40 that you never had a chance to do before.”
  • “Time does not wait for no man. I am pretty sure you did everything you’ve ever wanted and more. You still have a long journey ahead and the bright opportunity to fill-up the pages of your life with loads of fun adventures. Awesome forty birthday.”
  • “It has taken 40 years for you to mature to the point you are now. You have been aged to perfection. Happy Birthday!”
  • “Can you believe it? You have made it through 40 years of hardships, heartbreaks, and challenges. Only a strong person could have made it this far with a smile on her face. Happy birthday.”
  • “The 40s may be the new 20s, but certain things don’t change: At 20, you’re young and stupid. At 40, you think you’re young, which makes you do stupid things. Happy 40th birthday!”

Positive Turning 40 Sayings

We’ve noted it before and we’ll do it again. Turning 40 is just a number. Don’t fall for the negative. Like the very old song says, “accentuate the positive.”

  • “Make sure you live life in a way that when time machines are invented, you can proudly say ‘I don’t want to go back in time because I have lived my life in the best possible way’. Happy 40th birthday!”
  • “Happy 40th birthday! The older you get, the younger you look for your age. At this rate, you’re going to soon start getting carded at bars and casinos.”
  • “Happy birthday! And remember you’re not 40, you’re 18 with 22 years’ experience.”
  • “40 is the perfect age. You’re old enough to recognize your mistakes but young enough to make some more. Happy birthday!”
  • “Wishing you not only a deliriously happy 40th birthday but also a lifetime of immense joy, inner peace, and true success!”
  • “There’s a bright side to hitting 40. It’s definitely better than the alternative — turning 41. Have a happy 40th!”
  • “Cheers to a riotous birthday! May the fun you have on your 40th, exceed the back aches you will get, later!”

40th Birthday Greetings Ideas

Listen, men. She’s not growing old. Got it? He’s not over the hill either. Try some of these wishes:

  • “Life’s milestones are not supposed to be counted, they’re supposed to be celebrated. Happy 40th birthday.”
  • “Happy 40th birthday! I’m so pleased to hear you’re over the hill instead of under it.”
  • “Turning 40 may not get you everything you expect but it will certainly give you a wheel around your waistline. Let the good times roll. Happy 40th birthday.”
  • “Life is a book and your forties are the chapters when it all starts making sense. Wishing you an amazing 40th birthday!”
  • “When you turn 40, get out of your comfort zone to fulfill a dream you’ve always had. That’s how you can make your life really begin at 40.”
  • “You are now 20 more years until that sweet pension; 20 more years away from your unlimited vacation and freedom from work. Awesome forty birthday!”
  • “The older I get the more I realize if you think about how old you are it only makes you feel older. So today don’t do too much thinking. Just be. Happy 40th…. Oops. I mean, happy birthday. That’s all.”

REFERENCES:
1. Making 40 the New 30. (2019). Doctoroz.Com. https://www.doctoroz.com/blog/jodi-sawyer-rn/making-40-new-30
2. ‌Crow, S. (2019, September 11). 40 Truths About Turning 40 No One Ever Told You. Best Life; Best Life. https://bestlifeonline.com/advice-about-turning-40/

Last Updated on January 3, 2023