Bingo Lingo – The Colorful Language of the Game

Bingo players often employ clever coded language. Not just rhymes or simple descriptions are employed; rather, more elaborate symbols such as shapes may also be included as game markers.

Bingo lingo will surely leave you grinning from ear to ear whether in a hall or online, and here are some of the more amusing codes:

Origins

No definitive answer exists as to where bingo calls originated; they differ depending on both regionality and caller preferences, making for an engaging addition to the game! Bingo calls add flair, personality and intrigue that bring more enjoyment out of each bingo session.

XOXO, short for “hugs and kisses”, is often used in chat games as an informal greeting and to wish players good luck. Another commonly-used slang bingo phrase, WTG (pronounced ‘win”) appears when someone wins a bingo game.

Bingo slang words often follow shapes or rhymes: for instance, 16 is sometimes referred to as the ‘Dancing Queen’ in tribute to ABBA’s 1976 hit song of that name; 18 refers to when teens “come of age”, becoming full-fledged adults; while other calls use visual cues like two fat ladies (88).

Basic calls

As the foundation of your bingo experience, mastering basic calls is critical. Without this foundation, it will likely either lead to miscommunication among your fellow players or someone calling their own numbers and disrupting the flow of play.

Online bingo players tend to be very helpful people and will gladly explain any new terms you don’t understand.

Example bingo call references include 10 ([Prime Minister’s] Den), Downing Street and British Prime Minister. 85 – Staying Alive refers to a Bee Gees song while 17 Dancing Queen refers to legendary ABBA band. Additionally, other fun bingo call references are: 59 Shotts Bus (also spelled Was She Worth It rhyming with friskyness), 56 Was She Worth It (rhymes with frisky) was She Worth It which refers to age of retirement for women); XOXO Hugs and kisses as well as YAW You Are A Winner!

Advanced calls

Bingo calls often have stories behind them. Some of them use simple rhymes such as two little ducks 22 and legs eleven 11. Others take inspiration from the shape of numbers themselves; popular examples being Tom Mix’s silent-era Western films and Danny La Rue’s drag show performances as references; for instance “tickety-boo sixty two” references these.

Many of these expressions are humorous, adding even more fun and joy to the game. Learning the lingo can also help immerse yourself in its culture and history, creating a greater sense of community around bingo. From intriguing number nicknames to regional variations, this extra dimension adds another level of enjoyment unique to bingo – so newcomers should take some time to familiarise themselves with this language so they can play to their fullest.

Variations

Many bingo callers add variations into their lingo to enhance the experience with creativity and humor, such as calling number 26 “Pick ‘n’ Mix” or Half a Crown to refer back to pre-decimalised currency in the UK; or 33 – All of the Threes which plays off popular takeaway meals such as The Threes takeout. Other numbers often receive humorous nicknames such as 10 – The Prime Minister’s Den or Dirty Gertie (30), inspired by movies or military songs.

Bingo expressions reflect more than just game commentary; they mirror the culture of the community and foster a sense of belonging among players. Learning the bingo lingo makes it easier for newcomers to join this fun world of bingo – from rhymed slang terms to odd historical references, this vocabulary showcases our society beautifully! Some terms may seem outdated while others will always be around!