pick-up line

Bar conversation starter

A pick-up line is a rehearsed remark intended to start a conversation with someone you find attractive, typically in a bar or social setting.

Pick-up lines range from earnest compliments to deliberately cheesy jokes: Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?

The term often carries connotations of insincerity or desperation, though some are deployed ironically.

cheesy

corny

Tiresomely sentimental or trite

clichéOverused, unoriginal expression
cringeShrink from discomfort
tackyVulgar or slightly sticky

overused · groan-worthy · awkward · sleazy · hackneyed · embarrassing · schmaltzy · trite · unoriginal · eye-roll

social

icebreaker

Tension-easing social activity

openerWhat begins something
introductionPreliminary section or presentation
approachWay of handling something

stranger · bar · club · networking · mingling · initiative · meeting · singles · nightlife · party

flirtation

charm

Attractive personal quality

complimentWords expressing approval
flatteryExcessive insincere praise
smoothWithout roughness or difficulty

suave · coy · seduction · allure · enticing · suggestive · wink · playful · tease · coquettish

humor

joke

Humorous statement seeking laughter

punWordplay using double meanings
witClever, inventive humor
quipBrief, clever remark

wordplay · funny · clever · gag · wisecrack · innuendo · double-entendre · zingers · punchline · sarcasm

Opposites

sincerity of communication

pick-up linereal talk

Frank, unfiltered discussion

from the heart · true feelings

romantic intent

pick-up linerejection

Denial of acceptance

brush-off · let-down · cold shoulder · dismissal · goodbye

social register

pick-up lineformal introduction

Structured first meeting

business correspondence

Family

pick, line, picks, picked, picking, picker, pickers, pickup, pickups

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG