Pickup lines have been around for as long as humans have fancied one another. Men (and occasionally even women) use pickup lines as verbal tools for various reasons. Many people consider pickup lines to be humorous and not advantageous at all.
Still, men around the world utilize pickup lines in a humorous fashion to try to shoot their shots. Humor tends to be disarming and can get people to open up –even if its super cheesy humor or “dad jokes.” Some people consider pickup lines cringe or corny, but when used correctly with a smooth delivery, they can manifest the desired result.
But how do you use a pickup line? And how do you know if it’s truly funny or if you’re just wasting your time? Don’t worry. Whether you’re trying to secure a phone number or simply make use of an excellent icebreaker, check out this handy how-to guide on funny pickup lines. 
What Is a Pickup Line?
Pickup lines are short phrases or a couple of sentences meant to serve as conversation starters, ice breakers, or to court someone. Pickup lines tend to be seen as something cheesy that only “pickup/con artists” use. However, pickup lines are for everyone and, when used correctly, could be the way to open up a conversation — or the door to a new relationship. You can show your interest with a pickup line, but keep in mind that you’ll still have to put in work even if your line is funny and successful.
Why Should You Use Pickup Lines?
Pickup lines serve as conversation starters, especially if you’re shy or have difficulty approaching people in person. You can use pickup lines to flirt, start a dialogue, or show interest in that special someone. According to Psychology Today, women prefer men who can make them laugh, and this serves as a desirable trait when looking for a mate.
Humor can be a sign of intelligence, so it would be smart to have a few pickup lines prepared to garner the biggest laughs possible. Eliciting laughter can increase your confidence, make you more attractive in a potential partner’s eyes, and fire up smoldering chemistry.
How to Use Pickup Lines
The trickiest part of using pickup lines is the question of how to do so — especially if you’re new to the art of pickup lines. You’ve probably seen a friend approach someone they think is hot at a bar or a public area and drop an outrageous pickup line. This probably yielded varying results. The truth of the matter is sometimes pickup lines work, and sometimes they don’t. It (obviously) depends on the person, the delivery, authenticity, and several factors that are likely out of your control. In any case, a funny pickup line is worth a shot and could lead to an enriching friendship, a blossoming romance, or even just a good conversation.
Plenty of approaches to pickup lines are worthwhile, but here are some aspects you should add to your game before you try garnering a laugh while you’re out with your buds.
Delivery
Delivery is one of the most crucial aspects of your pickup line’s success. The best communicators practice their messages over and over for the best results, so it would be wise to do the same when it comes to funny pickup lines. Practice your pickup line multiple times in front of a mirror or use it on a friend to get an honest opinion.
You can also record yourself saying a pickup line with different inflections and cadences to see what sounds best –or is the most likely to make someone laugh. When you approach a potential lover, deliver it the way you intend, and you’ll most likely elicit a positive outcome or, at the very least, a genuine laugh.
Confidence
Confidence is another critical aspect of impressively using a funny pickup line. People tend to be sensitive to energy, so don’t even try delivering a funny pickup line if you are harboring doubts or feel like you’re in a negative headspace.
If you feel like it won’t work, you’ve already set yourself up for failure mentally. On the other hand, if you confidently approach someone, you’ll increase your chances of securing a phone number or getting a good laugh.
Keep in mind that confidence is attractive, and moving with insecure energy could be an immediate turn-off for many people. Do whatever you need to do to be in a confident mood and put your best foot forward when it comes to rolling out that funny pickup line.
Be Genuine
Be genuine when delivering a funny pickup line because it will only help your chances of success increase. No one likes fake people, and many people can quickly spot if you’re putting on a show or truly being genuine. Plus, an honest man is more attractive and trustworthy.
Everyone has a unique personality, so try to show your traits when you deliver your pickup line. You can be mysterious, stoic, goofy, and off-kilter and display these characteristics in how you deliver your funny pickup lines.
Practice your pickup lines until they resonates with you and sounds like something that would naturally roll off your tongue. Don’t act out of character because you want a woman to love you for you and not a façade you put on one time.
The Moment is Everything
Paying attention to the moment is critical. Where are you delivering the pickup line? What’s the overall ambiance? Generally, you’ll be fine if it’s inside a bar, under a starlit sky, or at a nightclub. But make sure not to deliver it while she’s on the phone or in the middle of a conversation. You’ll probably get a bad reaction and look like the ultimate jerk.
Use common sense and pay attention to your surroundings. If she has a ring on her finger, she’s probably engaged or married. This would be someone who’s off-limits and someone you shouldn’t try your luck with, no matter how confident you are.
A Brief History of Pickup Lines
Many people may think pickup lines are a modern phenomenon and have been around for maybe seven decades, but they might be surprised to learn that pickup lines have roots stretching as far back as Ancient Rome. According to historyrevealed.com, Roman men were encouraged to declare their love for the fairer sex while drunk. They were even encouraged to be somewhat melodramatic and make larger-than-life declarations such as, “You’re the only girl for me.”
According to Dictionary.com, a “pickup” is slang for having a casual sexual encounter. The term grew in popularity during the 1980s and the ’90s when men would ask questions followed by a pickup line in an attempt to court a woman.
Pickup lines gained a renewed interest during the advent of social media, online dating, and digital communication in the 2000s. Pickup lines are still used in 2022, and people are constantly refining their humor to fit in with the latest trends.
The Funniest Pickup Lines
Below, you will find a brief list of funny pickup lines ranging from cheesy to corny to romantic. Feel out which of these pickup lines best aligns with your personality, or if something else is needed, you can always make up your own hilarious line.
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Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?
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I’m not a photographer, but I can picture me and you together.
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On a scale of 1 to 10, you’re a 9 and I’m the 1 you lack.
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They say Disneyland is the happiest place on earth. Well, apparently, no one has ever been standing next to you.
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Are you an alien? Because you just abducted my heart.
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I’m lost. Can you give me directions to your heart?
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Is your name wifi? Because I’m feeling a connection.
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Do you have a band-aid? I just scraped my knee falling for you.
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If I had a garden, I’d put your tulips and my tulips together.
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Your hand looks heavy. Here, let me hold it for you.
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Are you a parking ticket? ‘Cause you’ve got fine written all over you.
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Cupid called. He wants my heart back.
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If you were a booger, I’d pick you first.
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I’d say God bless you, but it looks like he already did.
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If being sexy was a crime, you’d be guilty as charged.
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I would like to play hide and seek with you because someone like you is impossible to find.
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Are you a magician? It’s the strangest thing, but every time I look at you, everyone else disappears.
Pickup Line Don’ts
Delivering funny pickup lines seems like an easy task, but you may be surprised to learn there are certain things you should avoid when approaching a stranger. Don’t force a conversation — especially if the energy seems off or they’re obviously trying to mind their business. If someone is wearing headphones, is on a phone call, or already in conversation, these are some of the worst times to drop a pickup line no matter how funny you think it is.
Don’t be creepy or weird and approach a woman in a secluded area. Don’t be disrespectful in any way or become touchy during your delivery.
Most importantly, don’t overreact if a woman rejects your advances. If she isn’t interested, that’s the end of the conversation. Use common sense when trying to court a stranger, and treat them with respect. You will come out looking all the better as a potential mate.
What Happens After the Pickup Line?
You might wonder what happens after you deliver the funny pickup line. Maybe you don’t get a laugh, and the woman walks away from you. Do not take the rejection personally, and continue with your day.
But maybe you say a pickup line, the woman laughs, and then a conversation begins. What do you do? Feel out the energy, and go with the flow. This is exactly where you want to be, and you could be on course to getting her phone number or asking her out on a date.
Be yourself, be genuine, and be confident. Try to get to know her on a deeper level, lookout for social cues, be conscious of body language, and see where things go. You got this!
Conclusion
Pickup lines may seem corny, but they can be the perfect device you need to get a conversation going with someone of the opposite sex. Pickup lines have been around since Ancient Rome, so it’s safe to say that these verbal courtship tools which have been around for centuries will stay around for centuries to come. It doesn’t matter if you’re shy, tall, or work five jobs: Funny pickup lines are for every type of man.
Use funny pickup lines to show off your humor and become a desirable mate. Make sure you practice your lines, find one that resonates with you, be genuine throughout the situation, be confident, and be mindful of the specific moment. Every single moment isn’t the best time to deliver a pickup line. Remember: Rejection is always a possibility. And it happens to everyone, so don’t give up if your first attempts are not as smooth or successful as you would like.
According to a poll conducted by the dating app HUD, 52 percent of users have used a pickup line in an attempt to catch someone’s attention. Use any of the pickup lines above with the loose suggestions on delivery, and you’ll be sure to break the ice or, at the very least, get a chuckle out of someone.
Make sure you’re being respectful when approaching a stranger. You don’t want something to escalate into an intense situation that spirals out of control. It’s best practice to use common sense in these situations regarding funny pickup lines. You can always go with the flow if you’re successful and keep the conversation going well after the initial pickup line.
In any case, pickup lines are worth a spin — especially considering how they might develop into a relationship that could last for a lifetime.