chat up line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chat up line" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a remark or question intended to start a conversation with someone in a romantic or flirtatious context. Example: "He used a cheesy chat up line to try and impress her at the bar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

(When I mentioned this to one of the girls, a Brazillian, she offered to give me hers afterwards. It was like that "I like your dress, it's going to look great crumpled on my bedroom floor" chat up line).

Vice

Most of the divers are doing it not because it's a great chat up line, but because it's exciting and very rewarding work.

The Guardian

The answer, it seems, as to what he gets up to when he's not (allegedly) drag racing, (allegedly) visiting brothels and (allegedly) punching people the face is this: he follows girls in ludicrously tight clothing through dimly lit convenience stores and then fails to get their phone numbers after the poorest attempt at a chat up line – a crisp-based chat up line at that – we've ever heard.

Independent

The only chat up line is: 'I go to Eton/ Harrow/ Ampleforth; where do you go?' The only way to see where you are walking is by the light of Nokia mobiles.

The Guardian

pic.twitter.com/UXUL2pAY5u "Want to be my girlfriend so we can recreate Tony Blair's 2014 Christmas card together?" - my next chat up line Good of Tony Blair to show solidarity with Ed Miliband by using a terrible photograph for his Christmas card I wish I was in a relationship right now purely so we could recreate Tony Blair's Christmas card.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

What's your chat-up line?

The Guardian - Music

That was not a good chat-up line," he replied.

Independent

Got to be the best chat-up line ever".

The Guardian - Opinion

And what if that chat-up line was just funny enough to spark a longer conversation?

Independent

I can't remember the last time I heard a chat-up line.

Independent

But the original chat-up line was delivered by Adobe's lawyers in 2000.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chat up line" to describe an attempt to initiate a romantic conversation, often with the intent of flirting or seduction. It is generally understood to be a lighthearted or even humorous attempt.

Common error

Avoid using "chat up line" in formal or professional contexts. This phrase is inherently informal and suggestive, and using it in a business setting could be misconstrued as inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chat up line" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb. Ludwig confirms that it refers to a remark or question used to initiate a conversation, especially with romantic or flirtatious intent. It's a common way to describe the act of attempting to start a connection with someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chat up line" is a noun phrase referring to a remark or question used to initiate a conversation with the intent of flirting or starting a romantic relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and very commonly used, primarily in informal contexts such as news and media. When using this phrase, it's important to consider your audience and avoid overly aggressive or offensive lines. Alternatives like "pick-up line" can be used, but "chat up line" is a widely recognized and understood term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pick-up line

This alternative is a more common and direct synonym for "chat up line".

flirtation starter

This alternative focuses on the act of flirting as the beginning of a conversation.

approach gambit

This alternative emphasizes the strategic aspect of initiating contact with someone.

romantic opening

This alternative highlights the romantic intention behind the initial interaction.

lines to attract

This is a general term to describe lines people used to attract potential partners.

flirting technique

This alternative phrase suggests a broader strategy rather than a specific line.

conversation opener

This alternative phrase focus on initiating a dialogue with somebody.

seduction tactic

This alternative implies a more deliberate and strategic approach to attracting someone.

come-on line

This alternative is a more informal and suggestive way to describe a "chat up line".

flirtatious remark

This alternative is a simple description of the expression that someone use to flirt.

FAQs

What is a "chat up line"?

A "chat up line" is a remark or question used to initiate a conversation with someone, typically with the intention of flirting or starting a romantic relationship. It's often lighthearted and sometimes humorous.

What are some alternatives to "chat up line"?

Alternatives include "pick-up line", "flirtation starter", or "romantic opening", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "chat up line" appropriate in all situations?

No, "chat up line" is generally informal and should be avoided in professional or formal settings. It is best used in casual or social contexts where flirting is acceptable.

How can I use "chat up line" in a sentence?

You might say, "He tried a cheesy "chat up line" at the bar, but it didn't work" or "She laughed at his terrible "chat up line" but gave him her number anyway".