By Margot Carmichael Lester

I once had a friend who dressed up as a tube of “personal lubricant.” No doubt in the world what he was telegraphing to every woman he encountered. But not every guy chooses a costume that’s so transparent (and potentially offensive). So let’s say you meet someone new at a party, and wonder what message his costume is really sending. Here, with the help of a panel of experts, we help you mine the meaning behind some of this year’s most popular Halloween attire.

Our expert commentators:

• Jael McHenry, pop culture freak and editor-in-chief of IntrepidMedia.com
• Houman Salem, CEO of Temple City, CA-based Forplay, one of the largest Halloween costume distributors in the world
• Geri Spencer, Paris-based film costume designer

Devil
McHenry: You can’t spell devil without e-v-i-l. I’m just saying. Plus, it’s lazy. Give this one a pass. Not too inspired.
Salem: This is a guy who has great confidence, and he’s not afraid to talk to any girl. He’s the one who makes the nurses naughty. He’s likely to be hot and hanging out with other hot friends—like Casanova and Dracula.
Spencer: Definitely a bit of reverse psychology going on here. His message—I’m really into sin. He wants you to believe he’s a devil, and he’s truly desperate to believe he’s a devil, but in truth, he probably doesn’t live up to the costume![$MSN.ARTICLE.CTALINKS$] Spider-Man
McHenry: Anyone who dresses as this most sensitive of superheroes is all marshmallow on the inside. Offer him a drink and a shoulder to cry on if you want to be his Mary Jane.
Salem: He may not be Hollywood material looks-wise and