75 Pickup Lines That Actually Work (Funny, Cute, Cheesy and Smooth)

A pickup line has one job: to start a conversation without making either of you want to leave. The good ones are warm, a little self-aware, and easy to answer. The bad ones are a performance the other person has to sit through.

Here are the ten that work best, then 65 more sorted by mood, and a short section on what the research says.

The 10 best pickup lines

1. Hi. I'm terrible at pickup lines, so I thought I'd just say hello.
2. I was going to wait for a clever moment, but you might leave before I think of one.
3. You look like someone with good taste in music. Am I right?
4. I'd like to buy you a coffee and find out if you're as interesting as you look.
5. My friends bet I couldn't start a conversation with the best-looking person here. Want to help me win?
6. Is this seat taken, or were you saving it for someone charming? I can pretend.
7. I don't have a line. I just didn't want to go home wondering.
8. You have the kind of laugh that makes people look up. I looked up.
9. Quick question: what's the best thing that's happened to you this week?
10. I'm making a list of people I should have talked to tonight. I'd rather you weren't on it.

What the research says

Psychologists have studied this since the 1980s. Chris Kleinke and colleagues sorted opening lines into three types: direct (honest interest, such as “I'd like to get to know you”), innocuous (an ordinary question, such as “what do you think of this place?”) and flippant (the classic cheesy joke).

The consistent finding: women in those studies preferred innocuous and direct openers and liked flippant ones least, and people who used flippant lines were rated as less trustworthy. Men were more open to direct and even cheesy lines. So cheesy lines are best used as a joke you are both in on, not as a first move on a stranger.

Funny pickup lines

11. Are you a parking ticket? Because you've got “fine” written all over you. Sorry. I'll see myself out.
12. I'm not a photographer, but I can picture us getting tacos.
13. Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk past again more slowly?
14. I lost my phone number. Can I borrow yours?
15. On a scale of one to ten, you're a nine and I'm the one you need.
16. Are you Wi-Fi? Because I'm feeling a connection, and it's much better than the one in here.
17. I was told to follow my dreams, so here I am, standing awkwardly near you.
18. If you were a vegetable you'd be a cute-cumber. I am so sorry.
19. Is your name Google? Because you have everything I've been searching for.
20. I'd say God bless you, but it looks like he already did.
21. Are you a bank loan? Because you have my interest.
22. I'm no mathematician, but I'm pretty good with numbers. Give me yours and watch what I do with it.
23. Do you have a map? I keep getting lost on my way to talk to you.
24. You must be tired. You've been running through my excuses not to say hi all evening.
25. I'd tell you a chemistry joke, but I'm afraid I wouldn't get a reaction.

Cute pickup lines

26. You have a really kind face. I thought you should know.
27. I think your smile just improved my whole week.
28. I was having an average day until about ten seconds ago.
29. Do you have a name, or can I call you mine? Too much? I'll start with the name.
30. Your dog is adorable. You're not bad either.
31. I like your jacket. Mostly I wanted a reason to talk to you.
32. If kindness were a look, you'd be wearing it.
33. You seem like someone who gives good book recommendations.
34. I don't usually do this, and you can probably tell.
35. Something about you says “good company”. Can I find out?
36. I'd love to know what's making you smile at your phone like that.
37. You look like the best part of someone's day.
38. I saw you and forgot what I was pretending to do.
39. Is it all right if I'm nervous while I talk to you?
40. You look like you'd win an argument about pizza toppings. What's your case?

Cheesy pickup lines

41. Are you a magician? Because whenever I look at you, everyone else disappears.
42. Do you have a plaster? I scraped my knee falling for you.
43. Is it hot in here, or is it just you?
44. If you were a triangle, you'd be acute one.
45. Are you made of copper and tellurium? Because you're Cu-Te.
46. Your hand looks heavy. Can I hold it for you?
47. Are you a time traveller? Because I can see you in my future.
48. Did the sun come out, or did you just smile at me?
49. I must be a snowflake, because I've fallen for you.
50. If beauty were time, you'd be an eternity.
51. Are you a campfire? Because you're hot and I want s'more.
52. I think there's something wrong with my eyes. I can't take them off you.
53. Do you like raisins? How do you feel about a date?
54. You must be a dictionary, because you add meaning to my life.
55. Is your dad a baker? Because you're a cutie pie.

Smooth and direct

56. I'd regret it if I didn't come over and introduce myself.
57. I think you're really attractive, and I'd like to take you for a drink.
58. I have to go in a minute, but I'd like to see you again. Can I have your number?
59. You caught my eye across the room, and I wanted to know your name.
60. I've enjoyed these two minutes more than the rest of the evening.
61. Tell me one thing about you that I wouldn't guess.
62. I'm going to get a coffee. I'd like it more if you came.
63. I don't know you yet, but I'd like to.
64. What would you be doing right now if you could be anywhere?
65. I like the way you think. Keep talking.

For texting and dating apps

66. Your second photo raised questions. Where was that taken?
67. Two truths and a lie. You go first.
68. Important: pineapple on pizza, yes or no? Your answer decides everything.
69. You seem like trouble. The good kind.
70. I was going to open with a pun, but I wanted you to reply.
71. What's the most spontaneous thing you've done this year?
72. Your dog and I already have a lot in common. We both think you're great.
73. Rate your weekend out of ten, and justify your score.
74. I've decided we're getting along. You can catch up whenever.
75. You, me, and the best tacos in town. Thursday?

How to deliver a line

• Smile first. The line matters less than whether you seem friendly.
• Say it lightly. If it lands, good. If it doesn't, laugh and say hello properly.
• Have a second sentence ready. A line without a follow-up is just a line.
• Take a no gracefully. “No worries, have a good night” is the smoothest thing anyone can say.

Already together?

Cheesy lines work even better on someone who already likes you. Text one to your partner tomorrow morning. And if you want something to talk about every day after that, BloomingPairs gives the two of you one question a day, free on iPhone and Android →

Frequently asked questions

Do pickup lines actually work?

Friendly, direct openers and ordinary questions work better than jokes. Research on opening lines found that cheesy, flippant lines were liked least, especially by women.

What is the best pickup line?

An honest one. “Hi, I wanted to come and say hello” beats almost anything clever.

Are cheesy pickup lines ever a good idea?

Yes, with someone who already likes you, or when you both know it is a joke.