Bingo Nicknames: A Complete List of Bingo Calls
What are Bingo Calls?
Bingo calls are a unique set of nicknames given to each number on a bingo card. They are used by the bingo caller to announce the numbers that are drawn during the game. Each call consists of a number and a rhyming phrase or a phrase that refers to the number's shape or association.
Bingo calls are an essential part of the bingo experience and add an element of fun and excitement to the game. They are often used to engage the players and create a lively atmosphere in the bingo hall.
The origins of bingo calls can be traced back to the early days of bingo in the UK. In the early 20th century, bingo was known as "Housey Housey" and was played in churches and community halls. At that time, the bingo calls were simple and straightforward, consisting of just the number itself.
As the game evolved, so did the bingo calls. In the 1950s, bingo halls began to use more elaborate and humorous calls to entertain players. The rhyming phrases and puns that are commonly used today were introduced during this period.
The popularity of bingo calls continued to grow throughout the 20th century and spread to other parts of the world, including the United Kingdom. Today, bingo calls are an integral part of the bingo culture and are enjoyed by players of all ages.
| Bingo Calls | Nickname | Meaning |
| 1 | Kelly's Eye | The name of a one-eyed Australian gangster from the 19th century |
| 2 | One Little Duck | This number is called One Little Duck because it looks like the number 2 with a duck's beak. |
| 3 | Cup of Tea | This number is called Cup of Tea because it rhymes with three. |
| 4 | Knock at the Door | This number is called Knock at the Door because it rhymes with four. |
| 5 | Man Alive | This number is called Man Alive because it rhymes with five and is often used to express surprise or excitement. |
| 6 | Tom Mix | Named after a famous cowboy from the 1920s |
| 7 | Lucky Seven | A lucky number in many cultures |
| 8 | Garden Gate | Resembles the number eight |
| 9 | Doctor's Orders | Refers to a medical prescription |
| 10 | Tony's Den | Rhymes with the number ten |
| 11 | Legs Eleven | The number one looks like a "leg," and eleven rhymes with "heaven" |
| 12 | One Dozen | Refers to twelve items |
| 13 | Unlucky for Some | Considered an unlucky number in many cultures |
| 14 | Valentine's Day | Refers to February 14th |
| 15 | Young and Keen | Rhymes with the number fifteen |
| 16 | Sweet Sixteen | A milestone birthday for many teenagers |
| 17 | Dancing Queen | Refers to the song by ABBA |
| 18 | Coming of Age | A term for reaching adulthood |
| 19 | Goodbye Teens | Refers to leaving the teenage years behind |
| 20 | One Score | Refers to twenty items |
| 21 | Key of the Door | Refers to the age when one is legally allowed to drink alcohol in the UK |
| 22 | Two Little Ducks | Resembles the number twenty-two |
| 23 | The Lord is My Shepherd | Refers to Psalm 23 in the Bible |
| 24 | Two Dozen | Refers to twenty-four items |
| 25 | Duck and Dive | Rhymes with the number twenty-five |
| 26 | Pick and Mix | Rhymes with the number twenty-six |
| 27 | Gateway to Heaven | Refers to the age when one reaches their 27th birthday |
| 28 | In a State | Rhymes with the number twenty-eight |
| 29 | Rise and Shine | Rhymes with the number twenty-nine |
| 30 | Dirty Gertie | Rhymes with the number thirty |
| 31 | Get Up and Run | Rhymes with the number thirty-one |
| 32 | Buckle My Shoe | Rhymes with the number thirty-two |
| 33 | All the Threes | Refers to the three digits in the number |
| 34 | Ask for More | This bingo call refers to a line from the nursery rhyme "Oliver Twist": "Please, sir, I want some more." |
| 35 | Jump and Jive | This call rhymes and references a popular dance style from the 1930s and 40s. |
| 36 | Three Dozen | This bingo call is simply the numerical description of the number 36. |
| 37 | More than Eleven | This call refers to the fact that 37 is greater than 11. |
| 38 | Christmas Cake | This call is said to refer to the similarity in shape between the number 38 and a Christmas cake. |
| 39 | Steps | This call rhymes with the number 39 and is believed to have originated from the Cockney rhyming slang term for "dancing feet." |
| 40 | Life Begins at 40 | This call references the saying that life begins at 40, which is also the name of a popular novel by Walter B. Pitkin. |
| 41 | Time for Fun | This call rhymes with the number 41 and is often used to generate excitement and energy in the game. |
| 42 | Winnie the Pooh | This call refers to the character Winnie the Pooh, who has a fondness for honey, which rhymes with 42. |
| 43 | Down on Your Knees | This call refers to the number's shape, which looks like someone on their knees. |
| 44 | Droopy Drawers | This call rhymes with the number 44 and is said to have originated from the way the number looks like a pair of droopy pants. |
| 45 | Halfway There | This call references the fact that 45 is halfway to the highest possible number in bingo, which is 90. |
| 46 | Up to Tricks | This call rhymes with the number 46 and is believed to have originated from the phrase "up to tricks and sticks" which referred to pickpocketing in the early 20th century. |
| 47 | Four and Seven | This bingo call is simply the numerical description of the number 47. |
| 48 | Four Dozen | This call is simply the numerical description of the number 48. |
| 49 | PC | This call is short for "Police Constable", which rhymes with the number 49. |
| 50 | Half a Century | This call references the fact that 50 is halfway to 100, which is often referred to as "a century." |
| 51 | Tweak of the Thumb | This call rhymes with the number 51 and is believed to have originated from the ancient British custom of pulling a thumb to signify agreement. |
| 52 | Danny La Rue | This call references the British entertainer Danny La Rue, who was known for his drag performances and rhymes with 52. |
| 53 | Stuck in the Tree | This call refers to the shape of the number 53, which looks like a tree with a branch sticking out. |
| 54 | Clean the Floor | This call rhymes with the number 54 and is believed to have originated from the idea of cleaning the floor after a big celebration or party. |
| 55 | Snakes Alive | This call rhymes with the number 55 and is often accompanied by a hissing sound. |
| 56 | Was She Worth It? | This call is believed to have originated from a question asked by a man who had spent all his money on a woman: "Was she worth it?" It rhymes with 56. |
| 57 | Heinz Varieties | This call references the slogan "57 varieties" used by the food company Heinz, which rhymes with 57. |
| 58 | Make Them Wait | This call is often used to add suspense and excitement to the game, as it rhymes with "make them wait." |
| 59 | The Brighton Line | a reference to the train line that runs from Brighton to London |
| 60 | Five Dozen | simply means 60 |
| 61 | Baker's Bun | rhyming slang for "done" |
| 62 | Turn on the Screw | a saying that means to put pressure on someone or to make a situation more difficult |
| 63 | Tickle Me 63 | a play on words of the popular phrase "Tickle Me Elmo" |
| 64 | The Beatles Number | refers to the famous Beatles song "When I'm Sixty-Four" |
| 65 | Old Age Pension | a reference to the UK state pension age, which is currently 65 |
| 66 | Clickety Click | rhyming slang for "66" |
| 67 | Stairway to Heaven | a reference to the famous Led Zeppelin song |
| 68 | Pick a Mate | rhymes with "68" and is a bingo call |
| 69 | Either Way Up | a reference to the fact that the number 69 looks the same when it is turned upside down |
| 70 | Three Score and 10 | another way of saying 70 |
| 71 | Bang on the Drum | rhymes with "71" |
| 72 | Six Dozen | simply means 72 |
| 73 | Queen B | rhymes with "73" |
| 74 | Candy Store | rhymes with "74" |
| 75 | Strive and Strive | rhymes with "75" |
| 76 | Trombones | a reference to "76 Trombones," a song from the musical "The Music Man" |
| 77 | Sunset Strip | a famous street in Los Angeles |
| 78 | Heaven's Gate | a reference to the controversial religious cult of the same name |
| 79 | One More Time | simply means 79 |
| 80 | Eight and Blank | rhymes with "80" |
| 81 | Stop and Run | rhymes with "81" |
| 82 | Straight on Through | rhymes with "82" |
| 83 | Time for Tea | rhymes with "83" |
| 84 | Seven Dozen | simply means 84 |
| 85 | Staying Alive | a reference to the famous Bee Gees song |
| 86 | Between the Sticks | a football (soccer) term referring to the goalkeeper's position |
| 87 | Torquay in Devon | a seaside town in Devon, England |
| 88 | Two Fat Ladies | rhymes with "88" |
| 89 | Nearly There | simply means 89 |
| 90 | Top of the Shop | the highest number in a game of bingo |
How does modern bingo work?
Modern bingo is typically played with a set of numbered balls or cards, with each number corresponding to a specific letter and colour. Players mark off the numbers on their cards as they are called out by a designated caller, and the first player to complete a predetermined pattern, such as a line or full card, calls out "bingo!" to win the game.
Bingo Lingo Number
Bingo calls or lingo, on the other hand, are the nicknames given to each number that is called out during the game. These calls have their roots in the traditional bingo halls of the past, where the numbers were called out in rhyming phrases or phrases that related to the number's shape or history.
Where did the rhymes come from?
For example, the number 10 is often called "Tony's Den" because it rhymes with the word "ten", while the number 22 is referred to as "Two Little Ducks" because of its resemblance to the shape of two ducks. Similarly, the number 30 is often called "Burlington Bertie" after a famous song of the same name, and the number 88 is known as "Two Fat Ladies" due to its resemblance to two ample bosoms.
These calls not only add an element of fun and excitement to the game but also help to distinguish between numbers that sound similar, such as 30 and 13. In modern bingo, these calls are still used and have become an integral part of the game's culture and tradition.
In conclusion, modern bingo is played using a set of numbered balls or cards, with players marking off the numbers on their cards as they are called out. Bingo lingo or calls are the nicknames given to each number and originated in traditional bingo halls as rhyming phrases or references to the number's shape or history. These calls add to the fun and excitement of the game while helping to distinguish between similar-sounding numbers.
Rymes-Based Bingo Calls
Bingo calls based on rhymes are a popular way to add some fun and excitement to the game. Each number is given a unique nickname that rhymes with the number itself, such as "two little ducks" for number 22 or "knock at the door" for number 54. These rhyming nicknames make it easier for players to remember the numbers and add an entertaining element to the game. The origins of many of these rhymes are unclear, but they have become an integral part of the bingo experience for players of all ages.
Calls Based on the Shape of the Bingo Numbers
Another way that bingo calls can be categorised is based on the shape of the numbers themselves. For example, the number 1 is often called "Kelly's Eye" because it resembles an eye. Similarly, the number 8 is often called "Garden Gate" because it looks like a gate with two doors.
Other examples of bingo calls based on number shape include "Two Little Ducks" for the number 22, "Key of the Door" for the number 21 (which looks like a keyhole), and "Top of the Shop" for the number 90 (which resembles a shopping bag with the handles on top).
These calls add a playful element to the game and make it more fun and engaging for players. Plus, they're a great way to keep the game interesting and fresh, even for long-time bingo enthusiasts.
Bingo Calls Based on The Numbers' Shape
Bingo calls based on the numbers' shape is a unique way to add some fun to the game. These calls are made by comparing the number's shape to an object or figure. For example, number 8 is often called "Two Fat Ladies" as it resembles the shape of two ladies standing next to each other. Similarly, number 3 is called "Cup of Tea" as it resembles the shape of a tea cup with its handle. Out of the 90 total bingo calls in the UK, many are based on the numbers' shape and are sure to bring laughter and enjoyment to the game.
Historical References in UK Bingo Calls
Many UK bingo calls have historical references that date back to the game's origins in Italy. For example, "Kelly's Eye" for number 1 refers to the one-eyed Australian gangster Ned Kelly, and "Two Little Ducks" for number 22 is based on the shape of the number resembling two ducks. "Half a Century" for number 50 refers to the milestone of reaching 50 years of age. These references provide a cultural context to the game and add to the fun and entertainment of playing bingo.
- Number 16: "Sweet Sixteen" refers to the milestone of turning sixteen years old, which is traditionally celebrated as a coming-of-age in many cultures. It is also a reference to the popular song "Sweet Sixteen" by Chuck Berry.
- Number 26: "Bed and Breakfast" is a reference to the popular lodging option for travellers, particularly in the UK where B&Bs are common. The call also refers to the famous novel "Breakfast at Tiffany's" by Truman Capote, which was adapted into a film starring Audrey Hepburn.
- Number 44: "Droopy Drawers" refers to a style of pants or trousers that sag or droop at the waist. The call has its roots in American slang from the early 20th century and became popular in UK bingo halls in the 1960s.
These historical references add a bit of fun and nostalgia to the game of Bingo and have become an integral part of its culture in the UK.
Classic beauty in Bingo Calls
The classic bingo calls phrases used in the above explanation include "two little ducks" for the number 22, "Kelly's eye" for the number 1, "legs eleven" for the number 11, "two fat ladies" for the number 88, and "key to the door" for the number 21. Other popular classic bingo calls include "lucky seven" for the number 7, "doctor's orders" for the number 9, "sweet sixteen" for the number 16, "thirty-one, get up and run" for the number 31, and "knock at the door" for the number 4. These calls have been a staple of bingo culture for decades and are still used in bingo halls and online games today.
Transitioning Bingo Callers to the online
As the world becomes more digital, it's essential for traditional games like bingo to make the transition online. While the classic bingo hall experience can never be completely replicated, bringing bingo callers into the digital world allows players to enjoy the game from the comfort of their own homes. The incorporation of modern technology such as live streaming and interactive features has made online bingo just as exciting as the traditional version. The shift online has also opened up new opportunities for bingo callers, allowing them to reach a wider audience and continue their craft in a new and exciting way.