Tradies praise passing women in viral video

A video of Melbourne construction workers shouting encouraging catcalls to unsuspecting women in a hilarious social experiment is being watched around the world.

The stereotype of notorious catcalls from labourers is turned on its head by two rough tradies at the construction site, who yell compliments to women walking by.

"Oi, that colour really works on you. Have a productive day," the tradies yell at one pedestrian.

"I'd like to show you ... the respect you deserve," another shouts.

"I appreciate your appearance is just one aspect of who you are."

The targets of the unexpected compliments are shown turning from shock to surprise in the video that has already been watched more than 50,000 times and has been shown on US breakfast television since it was uploaded online this week.

The video has been revealed as a commercial for Snickers, with the one-minute clip ending with the tagline: "You're not you when you're hungry."

No word on whether the tradies revert back to sexist remarks once they've eaten a Snickers.

The creative agency behind the ad, Clemenger BBDO, says the passers-by in the candid camera-style experiment filmed in central Melbourne were "unsuspecting" members of the general public.

"There were a few nervous moments while we were filming the reactions but the public took the experiment in the spirit in which it was intended - to charm and amuse them," said Brad Cole of Bars Segment Lead.