“If I could be any enzyme I would be DNA Helicase so I could unzip your genes”
There is more to the science of chat-up lines than utilising some classic science puns on an unsuspecting individual. A surpring amount of research has been done into why we attempt pick-up lines and which have the greatest chance of a positive reception, a 1986 study by Chris Kleinke sought to answer the latter.
The Best Rated Lines:
Location |
Line |
Responses rated as good to excellent (%) |
General |
Hi |
60.0 |
Bars |
Do you want to dance? |
63.6 |
Restaurant |
I haven’t been here before, what’s good on the menu? |
58.2 |
Supermarkets |
Can I help you with those bags? |
60.8 |
Laundrette |
Want to go and grab a beer or cup of coffee while we’re waiting? |
56.6 |
Beach |
Want to play Frisbee? |
67.7 |
Line | Responses rated as poor to terrible (%) |
General – Is that really your hair? | 89 |
Bar – (Looking at a woman’s jewellery) Wow it looks like you’ve just robbed a Woolworths. | 89.6 |
Laundrette – A man shouldn’t have to wash his own clothes | 83.5 |
Supermarkets – Do you really eat that junk? | 89.6 |
Beach – Did you notice me throwing that football? Good arm, huh? | 88.2 |
But what about women? Well, when the study looked at the lines used by women they asked, 93 male and 112 female, students from the Universities Of California and Massachusetts for what liens women might use. They were ranked on the same 7 point scale and the following:
Line |
Responses rated as good to fantastic (%) |
Since we’re both sitting alone would you like to join me? |
71.6 |
Hi |
58.9 |
I’m having trouble getting my car started. Will you give me a hand? |
57.1 |
I don’t have anyone to introduce me, but I’d really like to get to know you more. |
54.6 |
Can you give me directions (to anywhere)? |
47.8 |
Line |
Responses rated as poor to terrible (%) |
It’s been a long time since I’ve had a boyfriend |
81.6 |
Didn’t we meet in a previous life? |
81.3 |
Hey baby, you’ve got a gorgeous chassis. Mind if I look under the hood? |
79.5 |
I’m easy, are you? |
79.2 |
What’s your sign? |
78.8 |
As far as I can tell the only studies that have been done into pick-up lines have been questionnaire filled in surveys then statistically analysed. Does this really tell us what works and what doesnt work in the real world? I think anthopologists should actually go to bars and use lines and observe their effects. If only for the pure amusement I would get from a scientists approaching someone on a beach and saying:
“Let me see your strapmarks?” … 86.8 % of girls rated this as poor to terrible!
BALE, C., MORRISON, R., & CARYL, P. (2006). Chat-up lines as male sexual displays Personality and Individual Differences, 40 (4), 655-664 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2005.07.016
Kleinke, C., Meeker, F., & Staneski, R. (1986). Preference for opening lines: Comparing ratings by men and women Sex Roles, 15 (11-12), 585-600 DOI: 10.1007/BF00288216