Pick up lines are as common on Tinder as unsuccessful left swipes. With everyone trying to come up with clever, flirty openers to catch someone’s interest, cheesy pick up lines seem to be the go-to conversation starter for many Tinder users.
But how do you respond when a potential match drops a cringey pick up line in your DMs? Do you ignore it? Flip it around with a witty comeback? Or lean into the cheese?
This complete guide will teach you 101 clever, funny, and flirty ways to respond to pick up lines on Tinder and keep the conversation going or gracefully end it.
Whether you want to gently reject their advances or reciprocate with some lighthearted flirting of your own, we’ve got you covered!
Playing Along With Flirty Responses
If you’re interested in the match and want to keep a fun, flirty vibe, playing along with their pick up line is a great way to respond. Here are some flirty comebacks to try:
1. Return the compliment
If it’s a sweet or charming line, reciprocate. For example:
Pick up line: “You must be tired because you’ve been running through my mind all day.”
Flirty response: “Not as tired as you must be from sprinting around my thoughts!”
2. Get creative
Think of an original flirty response instead of something generic. For example:
Pick up line: “If you were a fruit, you’d be a fineapple.”
Flirty response: “If you were a book, you’d be fine print because I’m enjoying every detail about you.”
3. Use wordplay
Play off the wording in their line to come up with your own clever response. For example:
Pick up line: “Do you work at Starbucks? Because I like you a latte.”
Flirty response: “I don’t work there but I’ll brew up something special just for you.”
4. Keep the joke going
If their line made you laugh, keep the humorous banter flowing. For example:
Pick up line: “Do you have a sunburn or are you always this hot?”
Flirty response: “It must be a sunburn, because I’m feeling the heat from you too.”
5. Be bold
Don’t be afraid to reciprocate the boldness. For example:
Pick up line: “On a scale of 1 to America, how free are you tonight?”
Flirty response: “Free enough to let you invade my personal space.”
6. Use emojis
Drop a winky face, smirking emoji, or lips after your response to really drive the flirtatious intent home.
7. Give a time and place
Straight up give them a time and place to meet if you want to move things offline. For example:
Pick up line: “If you were a burger at McDonalds, you’d be McGorgeous.”
Flirty response: “Let’s grab a drink tonight at 8 and you can tell me more cheesy lines.”
8. Ask questions
Keep the conversation flowing by asking questions about details in their profile. For example:
Pick up line: “Do you have a map? I keep getting lost in your eyes.”
Flirty response: “I don’t have a map but maybe you can join me on my next hike and I’ll lead the way. Are you outdoorsy too?”
Letting Them Down Easy
Not every pick up line warrants an equally flirty response. If you want to gently reject their advances, here are some tactful ways to respond.
9. Use humor
Poke fun at the awkwardness of their line to soften the blow. For example:
Pick up line: “Do you have a sunburn or are you always this hot?”
Tactful response: “Hmm, I don’t have a sunburn but this line is definitely burning up in flames. I do appreciate the attempt though!”
10. Be direct
If subtly isn’t working, it’s okay to clearly state you aren’t interested. For example:
Pick up line: “Are you Australian? Because you meet all of my koala-fications.”
Tactful response: “Haha, I’m flattered but not interested. I’m sure you’ll find someone else who will appreciate that line!”
11. Compliment their effort
Acknowledge the effort to help soften the rejection. For example:
Pick up line: “If you were a vegetable, you’d be a ‘cute-cumber.'”
Tactful response: “Points for originality but I’m not looking to date right now. Wishing you luck out there though!”
12. Suggest friendship
If you want to let them down easy but keep chatting, pivot the relationship to friends. For example:
Pick up line: “Are you Australian? Because you meet all of my koala-fications.”
Tactful response: “Haha that’s funny! I’m getting friend vibes from you, want to chat as mates instead?”
13. Blame external factors
Redirect the rejection to things outside of their control. For example:
Pick up line: “Do you have a map? I just keep getting lost in your eyes.”
Tactful response: “I’m too busy with work lately for anything romantic, but I’m still down to chat.”
14. Don’t reply
You’re never obligated to respond. Skipping their message is sending the response that you’re not interested.
15. Unmatch
If you really aren’t feeling their vibe, unmatching is a clean break. Just don’t ghost after establishing an actual connection.
When Pick Up Lines Are Inappropriate
Insensitive pick up lines happen far too often online. While you’re not required to respond, here are some options if you want to call them out.
16. Point out the issue
Calmly explain what was wrong with their statement. For example:
Pick up line: “Are you from Tennessee? Because you’re the only ten I see!”
Response: “Rating people’s looks from 1 to 10 feels objectifying. Let’s talk about more meaningful things.”
17. Question their logic
Ask a question to highlight the faulty thinking behind inappropriate pick up lines. For example:
Pick up line: “Do your legs hurt from running through my dreams all night?”
Response: “Why would I be running through your dreams? Can we start over with better questions?”
18. Set boundaries
Clearly state that you won’t tolerate inappropriate comments. For example:
Pick up line: “That dress would look great crumpled up on my bedroom floor tomorrow morning.”
Response: “I don’t tolerate comments about my body or sex life from strangers. Please be more respectful moving forward.”
19. Report them
If you feel harassed or unsafe, report their profile and block them. You have the right to feel secure online.
20. Don’t respond
You’re not obligated to respond to rude or offensive pick up lines either. Non-response sends the message loud and clear.
Other Funny Responses to Try
When used the right way, funny responses to pick up lines can turn an awkward moment into a hilarious bonding experience. Here are the rest funny comebacks:
21. “Nice line! I give it 5/10 stars on Rotten Tomatoes.”
22. “My grandma has better pick up lines than that.”
23. “That line was so corny, I think my teeth hurt now.”
24. “Ouch, that line was so cringey it gave me full body douche chills.”
25. “Wow, did you get that line from a textbook called ‘How To Never Go On A Date Again’?”
26. “Were you joking? I can’t actually tell if that was supposed to be funny or not.”
27. “My secondhand embarrassment from that line might be fatal.”
28. “I think you got your wires crossed between a dad joke and a pick up line.”
29. “That made as much sense as screen doors on a submarine.”
30. “That line was so stale it could be a fossil at a museum.”
31. “That sounded like something my uncle would say…and not in a good way.”
32. “Yikes. I felt that one for your dignity, bud.”
33. “Ooof. I think that line just earned you a permanent spot in the friend zone.”
34. “Wow, I didn’t know it was possible for eyes to actually get stuck from rolling too hard.”
35. “That was…creative? Unique? I’m trying to find a nice way to react here.”
36. “Thank you for confirming that bots have no game.”
37. “Clearly we need to work on your definition of smooth.”
38. “I think that line just triggered my fight or flight response.”
39. “Yikes, let’s just pretend I have amnesia and start over.”
40. “Hey, it wasn’t that bad. Okay, no, yeah it was pretty bad actually.”
41. “Ouch. I felt that one in my soul.”
42. “Um…thank you?”
43. “I’m not sure if I should laugh or slowly back away.”
44. “Wow, I didn’t know it was possible to cringe that hard. Bravo.”
45. “You know when you replay an awkward moment over and over? I’m going to relive this line at night for weeks.”
46. “I think I just hallucinated from how hard I cringed just now.”
47. “Yikes, that was the verbal equivalent of stubbing your toe.”
48. “I’m literally speechless. And not in a good way.”
49. “Are you taking awkward pick up line lessons from Michael Scott or something?”
50. “If that line was a song, it would be called ‘Nope’ by the artist Neverhappening.”
Clever Comebacks
Beyond just funny responses, clever comebacks display your wit and keep the banter flowing. Here are 101 examples:
51. “Let’s grab a coffee so you can try out some better lines on me.”
52. “Alright Romeo, you’ve earned a conversation. What else have you got?”
53. “Ouch, too bad for that line choice because you seem kind of cute.”
54. “Hmm, I bet you can do better. I have faith in you!”
55. “Yikes, strike one! But I’ll give you another shot to redeem yourself.”
56. “Nice try, but I don’t fall for just any line. You’re gonna have to step it up.”
57. “Solid effort, but I’m deducting points for lack of originality.”
58. “And the award for most awkward pick up line goes to…”
59. “Wow, can’t say I’ve heard that one before. And honestly, I wish I still hadn’t.”
60. “My turn – are you Google Maps? Because you seem lost trying to navigate this conversation.”
61. “Pick up line tip: maybe don’t open with something you texted 15 other people today.”
62. “Pro tip: save the pick up lines for someone whose sense of humor aligns with terrible dad jokes.”
63. “Yikes, you really Britta’d that pick up line.”
64. “Oof, your game needs some serious work, my friend.”
65. “I give that line a 2 out of 10. And that’s being generous.”
66. “You must be exhausted from carrying around that gigantic red flag all day.”
67. “Hey, you seem great, but let’s skip the pick up line schtick and get real.”
68. “Nice try, but I think we both know that line didn’t land.”
69. “I bet you’re great once we get past these awkward pick up lines, eh?”
70. “Wow, that line was so uncomfortable I think I pulled a muscle cringing.”
71. “Ouch. Your poor mother would be embarrassed knowing you use lines like that.”
72. “You seem fun! But maybe dial back the pick up lines and show me who you really are.”
73. “Pro tip: skip the canned lines and say something authentic.”
74. “Yikes, that totally tanked harder than the 2022 Oscars.”
75. “You know what they say – strike two and you’re out.”
76. “I appreciate you breaking the ice, but I’d rather talk about real stuff, not just pick up lines.”
77. “Let’s start over and have an honest chat, not just trading pick up lines.”
78. “Oof, your Tinder game clearly needs some work. Here are my tips…”
79. “You seem interesting, but I’m not really looking for cheesy pick up lines right now.”
80. “Ça alors! Your French pick up lines need some serious work. Let me help you out…”
Flirty Responses For When The Line Lands
Of course, not all pick up lines are cringey. Here are flirty responses for when someone actually manages to impress you:
81. “I’m not an organ donor, but you make me want to give you my heart.”
82. “I was waiting to meet someone clever enough to make me laugh. Guess we’re a match!”
83. “You’re pretty slick! I’m intrigued…”
84. “Wow – I’m surprised, impressed, and very flattered all at once.”
85. “Honestly, I can’t even be mad at that line – nicely done.”
86. “Ooh, you’ve got some wit! Color me impressed.”
87. “Points for creativity. You definitely got my attention with that one!”
88. “Okay, I have to admit – that line was smooth. You might just live up to that bio of yours.”
89. “I didn’t think it was possible for a pick up line to work on me, and yet here we are…”
90. “I’m glad I swiped right, because you clearly know how to make me smile.”
91. “That was the perfect blend of funny, sweet and clever all at once. Kudos!”
Smooth Responses to Keep Them Intrigued
Once you establish mutual interest, keep the clever banter rolling with these smooth responses:
92. “Shall we grab drinks later so you can try out some more lines on me?”
93. “I’d love to see your improv skills in action over dinner this weekend.”
94. “How about we chat over tacos and you can tell me more of these over chips and guac?”
95. “Oh yeah? Well two can play at this game…”
96. “I can’t wait to hear what other tricks you’ve got up your sleeve.”
97. “Ooh, I like the way your mind works. Intriguing indeed…”
98. “Let’s let our personalities speak louder than pick up lines. Drinks tomorrow night?”
99. “Hmm, I thought I was charming but I think you just won me over.”
100. “Alright, you hooked me. Let’s see what other witty banter you’ve got in store.”
101. “Color me impressed. I think this is the beginning of a fun adventure together.”
The next time someone drops a pick up line on you, hopefully these 101 responses give you the perfect comeback. Just be yourself, keep things light if desired, and don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself if need be. Confidence and wit are your best accessories – let them shine!
FAQs About Responding to Pick Up Lines on Tinder
How do you tell someone you’re not interested in their pick up line?
Politely decline the advance rather than ghosting. For example, “I appreciate the effort here, but I’m not interested in pick up lines or flirting right now.” Or simply say you just want to chat platonically and aren’t looking for dates at the moment.
What is a good response if a pick up line is inappropriate?
You have a few options – politely explain why it’s inappropriate and you’d rather change topics, unmatch them if you feel uncomfortable, or don’t respond at all if you prefer not to engage.
What if you can’t tell if a pick up line is meant to be serious or funny?
When in doubt, assume positive intent. Respond lightheartedly, as if they were just trying to make a joke and
