First message that gets replies funny — what actually works

First message that gets replies funny isn’t just a mouthful—it’s the exact mindset I use when I open a chat: disarming, a bit cheeky, and impossible to scroll past. I’m not a guru; I’m the guy who learned the hard way that “hey” is the text equivalent of dry toast.

Before the messages, three quick truths I wish someone told me earlier:

• People reply to specific, not generic.
• “Funny” means playful + personalised, not stand-up routine.
• First impressions matter (the primacy effect is real).

If you want extra reading on why tone gets lost in text, CNN Health regularly covers how messages get misread. And if you’re a work-nerd like me, the psychology of first impressions pops up in BBC Worklife more than you’d think. Right, into the good stuff.

First message that gets replies funny (my rule-of-thumb format)

I call it the “Hook + Handle”:

• Hook = a playful observation or micro-challenge based on their profile.
• Handle = a low-effort way for them to answer.

Blueprint:
“Your dog looks like he files HR complaints about walks. On a scale of 1–HR memo, how dramatic is he after 3km? (I’m voting memo.)”

Why it works: it’s specific, lightly teasing, and offers an easy slider-style reply. No small talk tax.

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The mistake reel (I used to send these—don’t)

• “Hey.” — translation: please do all the work.
• “How are you?” — nice, but nobody wakes up excited to answer this.
• Paragraphs of bio-dumping — looks like you’re trying to sell a timeshare.
• “You’re gorgeous 😍” — 800 identical messages already said this. Be memorable, not thirsty.

10 copy-and-paste openers that get answers (use, tweak, steal)

Pets & photos

1. “Your cat has CEO eyes. Does he run the household meetings or just veto dinner?”
2. “Your dog’s ears say ‘park’, your face says ‘coffee’. Which one won the negotiation?”

Food & weekends

3. “Your brunch photo is a crime scene. Pancakes or waffles if we must pick a side?”
4. “Serious poll: Funny first text after getting her number—do I suggest tacos or do I pretend I’m above tacos? (I’m not.)”

Travel & hobbies

5. “Two hats in your pics. Traveller you and Home you—who burns the toast more?”
6. “That hiking shot looks like a postcard. Was it 1) transcendental or 2) mid-hike regrets and snacks?”

Books & films

7. “You read thrillers. If we got chased by zombies, do you 1) run or 2) review them on Goodreads first?”
8. “You listed three films—bold. Which one would you sacrifice to save coffee?”

Profiles with prompts

9. “‘Perfect Sunday’: bold of you to mention it. Mine is coffee + laundry + chaotic playlist. What’s yours in 5 words, no commas?”
10. “Your two truths & a lie—my guesses: 1) true, 2) true, 3) chaos. How wrong am I on a scale of ‘close’ to ‘please log off’?”

Sprinkle in the bolded keywords organically as you go. For instance: first message that gets replies is not a magic spell; it’s a tailored nudge.

The “one-look rewrite”: turn a bland line into a banger

Bland: “Hi, how’s your week?”
Better: “Your Tuesday looks like it needed a victory snack. What’s your current champion: crisps, gelato, or ‘don’t judge me—it’s both’?”

Bland: “You like travel?”
Better: “Okay, travel person: the suitcase is open. Three items only, and one has to be chaotic. Go.”

Bland: “You’re pretty.”
Better: “Dangerously symmetrical cheekbones. Do shops give you the secret discount or just suspicious glances?”

“What about when she’s quiet?”

You asked: What to text a girl who is ignoring you? Here’s the playbook:

• Assume good intent first (life gets busy).
• Send one gentle, non-needy ping after a few days:
  • “Vibe check: Did my last message land or did the app eat it?”
  • “I’ll take the hint if it’s a no—but you seemed cool, so I’m giving curiosity one more go: coffee vs. iced tea?”
• Then stop. Your self-respect is attractive. Triple texting isn’t.

If she’s gone truly silent, respect the drift. You’re not auditioning for “No Reply: The Musical.”

After a number swap: Funny first text after getting her number

• “This is [Your Name], the man, the myth, the average cook. Proof I’m real: I can name three condiments in under 2 seconds.”
• “Recruiting you for a very short questionnaire: crisps flavour, guilty-pleasure song, your current snack. Go.”
• “I promised a zero-boring first text. So here’s mine: I just overheard a pigeon argument. Loser buys the winner chips. You up to anything more sophisticated?”

Bonus: Screenshot something funny (clean) from your day and add: “This is the energy I’m bringing. Upgrade or downgrade?”

Micro-prompts that spark replies in under 12 words

• “Pick one: sunrise walk or midnight dessert?”
• “Would you rather master pasta or coffee?”
• “Your playlist: chaos or curation?”
• “One seat left—museum or street food?”
• “You can’t say ‘both’. Tea or coffee?”

My 3-message ladder (when the chat starts, not just the opener)

1. Open with the Hook + Handle.
2. Follow with a two-option question tied to what they reply (“So you’re pro-waffle—what’s the topping hill you’ll die on?”).
3. Escalate to a tiny plan: “Waffle diplomacy: 20-minute espresso test, Wed 7:10. You in?”

This turns a reply into momentum without the dreaded “So what do you do?” interview vibe.

The FAQ speed-round

What message to send to get a reply?

A short, specific observation + an easy either/or. Example: “Your gym selfie has ‘personal trainer energy’. Do you also yell at toasters or just dumbbells?”

First message that gets replies?

Make it about them, not you. Use one detail from their profile and toss them a tiny challenge: “Tell me your controversial sandwich opinion.”

What to text a girl who is ignoring you?

One light check-in after a pause, then leave it. “Circling back just once—was my last message too pro-waffle? Happy to retire the topic and ask about coffee instead.” Do not keep texting her to avoid being banned.

Funny first text after getting her number

Break the ice with a mini-bit about your day and a two-choice invite. “I found a café with dangerous brownies. Investigate now or schedule alibi?”

Field notes from a normal guy (me)

I used to send safe, bland openers and blame the app. When I started referencing one thing in their profile (the cactus behind them, the book spine, the dog bandana) my reply rate jumped. Not because I’m suddenly hilarious—because I paid attention.

Also: emojis are spice, not soup. One is cheeky. Five looks like your phone is stuck on carnival mode.

Copy bank you can steal today (sorted by vibe)

Playfully curious

• “Your travel pics: 70% views, 30% snacks. What did the camera eat?”
• “Serious question: what’s your signature ‘I can cook’ dish?”

Lightly teasing

• “You have ‘I beat everyone at board games’ energy. Guilty or misunderstood?”
• “Those sunglasses are doing 70% of the flirting. Are they on payroll?”

Flirt-but-respectful

• “Warning: I’m 6’0” in enthusiasm and 5’10” in reality.”
• “I make good coffee and questionable playlists—curious which one you’ll roast first.”

Low-effort replies

• “Two truths & a snack: sweet, salty, or both?”
• “Pick a lane: beach book or city walk?”

Timing & tone (quick wins)

• Send when they’re likely scrolling (commute, lunch, early evening).
• Keep to one or two sentences; walls of text look like homework.
• If you’re joking, make the punchline obvious—sarcasm dies in plain text.
• Read their reply speed & style; mirror lightly, don’t mimic.

Why humour works (and when it doesn’t)

Humour signals warmth, creativity, and low-pressure confidence. But “funny” can’t fix poor fit. If someone wants essays and you send memes, you’re speaking different dialects. Match the energy; you’re not trying to win Britain’s Got Talent—you’re trying to start a human conversation. It will definitely bring you huge success on a dating app.

TL;DR template (paste, personalise, send)

“Your [specific thing] made me smile—especially the [tiny detail]. Settling a serious debate: [either/or question]. I’m betting you’ll say [playful guess]; prove me wrong?”

Check out related post:

5 Steps to Pick Up a Hot Girl (Without Being a Walking Red Flag)