A pick-up line is used as a potential icebreaker or a conversation starter and can range from the simple “hi” to the longer phrases like, “If you were Spock’s phaser, you would be set to stun.”

How much does a polar bear weigh? Enough to break the ice. Breaking the ice with a pick-up line seems like a good way to start a conversation because it usually breaks the tension by getting the other person to laugh. But what do BYU-Idaho students think about pick-up lines?

“I can tell you I don’t think they work. I think they are funny though,” said Jenny Bourne, a freshman studying communication. Jenny said that one of her friends had an experience in which a boy said, “Hey, you look like someone I know.” Her friend found out later that she didn’t look like anyone he knew; he just wanted an excuse to begin a conversation.

Pick-up lines have evolved from generic lines that can be used on anyone, like, “If I could rearrange the alphabet I would put U and I together,” to more specialized pick-up lines that will only make sense to the people who are savvy on certain subjects.

These are a few examples of specialized pick-up lines; For a Harry Potter fan, you might try, “I know we're not in Professor Flitwick's class, but you still are charming;” or for the Twilight fanatic, “You look imprintable…I mean uhh…impeccable in that outfit.” The physics major might respond to, “Can I have your significant digits?” While the math major would prefer, “Hey baby, what's your sine?” For the science fiction lovers try something like, “Tell me of this thing you humans call (pause) love,” In a religion class, try, “Is your name Virtue? Because you garnish my thoughts unceasingly,” these and tons more.

Better save this one for the summer time: “Man it’s hot outside, but you just made it 10 degrees hotter.” Cameron Bassett, a sophomore studying exercise physiology, said yes, he has used a pick-up line before, and he had the girl’s number when he came away from the conversation. Basset said, “It’s more fun, just a joke to break the ice.”

“Did it hurt (Pause) when you fell from heaven?”

Ben Anderson, a junior studying economics, said, “I usually just go for compliments.” Anderson gave an example of a compliment he would use: “Has anyone told you that you have the most dazzling eyes?” 

Pick-up lines can be fun icebreakers and great for jokes amongst friends. General pick-up lines can be used on anyone but be sure to do the research before using a more specialized pick-up line. Don’t feel pressure to deliver pick-up lines in a particular way they are meant to be light hearted and fun anyway.