At some point in their lives, most women have had a pickup line used on them. At the same time, many men have at one time or another attempted to use such a phrase to break the ice with a member of the opposite sex. Of course, the big question is whether or not these lines actually work.

Much to the chagrin of would-be Romeos around the world, the answer is usually a resounding "No." Take, for example, a study conducted on 205 undergraduate students at Scotland's University of Edinburgh. Cheesy lines and flat-out sexual innuendo scored very low. Lines which suggested intelligence, wealth, and generosity did score higher, however.

So what defines a cheesy pickup line or blatant sexual innuendo? Here's a short list.

"What's your sign?"
"If I could rearrange the alphabet, I'd put U and I together."
"F*ck me if I'm wrong, but haven't we met before?"
"Your legs must be tired, because you've been running through my mind all night."
"Hey, babe, wanna get lucky?"
"I miss my teddy bear. Would you sleep with me?"

Yeah, hard to believe that someone using one of those lines would strike out. Then again, there are lots of other factors besides the quality of the line. If the woman in question has a sense of humor, she might chuckle at one of these and actually be willing to have a conversation. If not, you can expect a sneer and maybe even a few insults to come your way.

There's also the matter of personal appearance. Without a doubt, attractive men are far more likely to get a little slack when it comes to using bad pickup lines. Ugly guys, on the other hand, are flat out of luck.

And there are a million other little factors. How much has she had to drink? Did she come to the club to find a one-night stand? Does she have a headache? Does she enjoy shooting guys down? Never underestimate how easily a person's quirks can derail even the most sincere attempts at flattery.

The biggest mistake most men make is to hit on a woman before an attraction has been established. If you are perceived as trying too hard, then it may make you seem pushy and turn off the woman. Try to seem nonthreatening when you make your approach, then attempt to demonstrate a sense of humor or a genuine interest in her.

Another method is to approach the person just as you are leaving. Introduce yourself, give them your phone number and then leave. They may not call you, but they may well remember you the next time you see them at the club. This may give you an opportunity to strike up a longer conversation.

Again, no method is perfect. Certainly there are women who would feel uncomfortable or guilty about being approached by a man who she chose not to call. It's not an exact science.

If you do decide to go with a pickup line, try to find something which will make her laugh or otherwise break the ice without possible offending her. Stay away from lines that are demeaning or have overtly sexual connotations. Here are few examples of good pickup lines:

"I was wondering if you have a moment to spare for me to hit on you?" If this doesn't get her to smile, then you might as well move on to another woman. This line should demonstrate your sense of humor, acknowledge her good looks, and do so without seeming too forward.

"What's your name?" While hardly flashy or creative, this line is genuine and to the point. It doesn't put too much pressure on the woman (unless she can't remember her name), and it allows you to get your foot in the door.

"So what haven't you been told tonight?" This line admits that she's been getting hit on all night, but it also shows that you're interested in her without being like all the other guys. It doesn't insult her intelligence, and it also demonstrates your wit.

Above all, try and pace yourself. Many women do not go to a club to find a sex partner for the evening. If you treat all of them as if they are, then you may seem pushy or offensive and waste a perfect opportunity. Give them some breathing room and allow some chemistry to develop between the two of you. In the long run, the slow and steady approach will be well worth it.