Bingo calls: Fun, traditional & unusual

Funny bingo calls

Some bingo calls are just downright bizarre, making them all the more fun. Here are a few:

1. Was She Worth It? (76): This dates back to the mid-20th century when the marriage license in the UK cost 7/6 (seven shillings and sixpence).
2. Two Little Fleas (33): A humorous twist to "two little ducks" for 22, with no real rationale — just good fun!
3. Dancing Queen (17): For ABBA fans, this number 17 call refers to their popular song "Dancing Queen."
4. Garden Gate (8): A playful call, as it rhymes with the number.
5. Doctor's Orders (9): Originated from a pill given by doctors during WWII, commonly known as "Number 9."
6. Clean the Floor (54): A fun rhyme, adding a household chore to the mix.
7. PC (49): Refers to the British term 'Police Constable' and the 1949 establishment of the modern police force.
8. Halfway There (45): Often used because 45 is halfway to 90, the highest number in bingo.
9. Tickle Me (63): Simply because it rhymes and adds a bit of humor.
10. Lucky Sevens (77): Playing on the common belief that 7 is a lucky number.
11. Heaven's Gate (78): A rhyming call that evokes a bit of whimsy.
12. Time for Tea (83): A nod to the British love of tea time.
13. Nearly There (89): Reflecting the anticipation of reaching the final number, 90.

Traditional bingo calls

Bingo calls often derive from rhymes, historical events, or visual resemblances. Let's explore some of the traditional calls:

1. Two Fat Ladies (88): This is perhaps one of the most famous bingo calls. It humorously refers to the shape of the number 88, which resembles two ladies standing side by side.
2. Legs Eleven (11): This one draws from the resemblance between the number 11 and a pair of slender legs.
3. Clickety-Click (66): A pure rhyme, no hidden meanings here!

Popular rhyming bingo calls

A touch of rhyme brings an extra dash of fun to bingo calls. Some crowd favorites include:

1. Cup of Tea (3): A quintessential British refreshment for the number three.
2. Knock at the Door (4): A simple rhyme to remember the number four.
3. Man Alive (5): Number five gets a lively call-out with this rhyming phrase.

Modern bingo calls

The language of bingo calls is always evolving. Modern life has introduced new phrases, like:

1. Tinder Date (8): An example of how digital culture can influence bingo calls!
2. Selfie Queen (17): A nod to our love of selfies in today's social media era.
3. Netflix and Chill (69): A playful call for the digital streaming age.

1 - 90, a complete bingo call list

Dive into the delightful world of bingo lingo with our comprehensive list of calls for numbers 1-90. From the classic to the quirky, every number has its unique call-out:

(Note: The following calls are examples and may vary depending on cultural and regional differences)

1. Kelly's Eye (1) - This likely comes from the military term "Kelly", meaning "potato", making it "small and round" like a one.
2. One Little Duck (2) - The shape of the number two looks like a duck.
3. Cup of Tea (3) - A simple rhyme.
4. Knock at the Door (4) - Rhymes with four.
5. Man Alive (5) - A rhyming phrase for five.
6. Half a Dozen (6) - Six is half of twelve (a dozen).
7. Lucky Seven (7) - Seven is often considered a lucky number.
8. Garden Gate (8) - Rhymes with eight.
9. Doctor's Orders (9) - Refers to a laxative pill given out by army doctors in WWII.
10. Downing Street (10) - The British Prime Minister's residence is at Number 10 Downing Street.
11. Legs Eleven (11) - The number 11 looks like a pair of legs.
12. One Dozen (12) - Twelve items make up a dozen.
13. Unlucky for Some (13) - Some people consider 13 to be an unlucky number.
14. Valentine's Day (14) - Valentine's Day falls on February 14.
15. Young and Keen (15) - Rhymes with fifteen.
16. Sweet Sixteen (16) - Common term used to describe the coming of age for teenagers.
17. Dancing Queen (17) - Refers to ABBA's hit song "Dancing Queen", which includes the lyric "You are the dancing queen, young and sweet, only seventeen."
18. Coming of Age (18) - In many cultures, 18 is the age of adulthood.
19. Goodbye Teens (19) - Nineteen is the last of the teenage years.
20. One Score (20) - A score is an old term meaning twenty.
21. Key of the Door (21) - Traditionally, 21 was the age of majority—the age when a person was able to legally open their own home's door.
22. Two Little Ducks (22) - The number 22 looks like two ducks side by side.
23. Thee and Me (23) - A simple rhyme.
24. Two Dozen (24) - Two dozens make up 24.
25. Duck and Dive (25) - A rhyme based on the old song "duck and dive", with '2' for 'duck' and '5' which rhymes with 'dive'.
26. Pick and Mix (26) - Rhymes with twenty-six.
27. Gateway to Heaven (27) - A rhyming phrase.
28. Overweight (28) - A cheeky rhyme.
29. Rise and Shine (29) - A rhyming phrase.
30. Dirty Gertie (30) - Rhymes with thirty.
31. Get Up and Run (31) - Rhymes with thirty-one.
32. Buckle My Shoe (32) - Taken from the nursery rhyme "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe".
33. Dirty Knee (33) - Rhymes with thirty-three.
34. Ask for More (34) - Rhymes with thirty-four.
35. Jump and Jive (35) - Refers to a dance step in the jive, and rhymes with thirty-five.
36. Three Dozen (36) - Three dozens make up 36.
37. More than Eleven (37) - A rhyming phrase.
38. Christmas Cake (38) - Cockney rhyming slang for "fat" as in 'overweight'.
39. Steps (39) - Refers to "The 39 Steps", a novel by John Buchan.
40. Naughty Forty (40) - Rhymes with forty.
41. Time for Fun (41) - Rhymes with forty-one.
42. Winnie the Pooh (42) - Rhymes with forty-two.
43. Down on Your Knees (43) - This was a command used by officers in the military during drills.
44. All the Fours (44) - Both digits are four.
45. Halfway There (45) - 45 is halfway to 90, the end of the bingo numbers.
46. Up to Tricks (46) - Rhymes with forty-six.
47. Four and Seven (47) - Plainly calling out the numbers.
48. Four Dozen (48) - Four dozens make up 48.
49. PC (49) - Refers to the Police Constable in the "The Adventures of PC 49", a radio series about a friendly policeman.
50. Half a Century (50) - Fifty years make up half a century.
51. Tweak of the Thumb (51) - Rhymes with fifty-one.
52. Danny La Rue (52) - Rhymes with fifty-two. Danny La Rue was a famous female impersonator.
53. Stuck in the Tree (53) - Rhymes with fifty-three.
54. Clean the Floor (54) - Rhymes with fifty-four.
55. All the Fives (55) - Both digits are five.
56. Was She Worth It? (56) - Refers to the price of a marriage license in old currency (5 shillings and 6 pence).
57. Heinz Varieties (57) - Refers to "57 Varieties", the slogan of the H.J. Heinz Company.
58. Make Them Wait (58) - Rhymes with fifty-eight.
59. Brighton Line (59) - Refers to the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway's train service.
60. Five Dozen (60) - Five dozens make up 60.
61. Baker's Bun (61) - Rhymes with sixty-one.
62. Turn on the Screw (62) - Rhymes with sixty-two.
63. Tickle Me (63) - Rhymes with sixty-three.
64. Red Raw (64) - Rhymes with sixty-four.
65. Old Age Pension (65) - The age at which people receive their pension.
66. Clickety Click (66) - Rhymes with sixty-six.
67. Made in Heaven (67) - Rhymes with sixty-seven.
68. Saving Grace (68) - Rhymes with sixty-eight.
69. Either Way Up (69) - The number 69 can be inverted and still remains the same.
70. Three Score and Ten (70) - A "score" is twenty, so three score is sixty, plus ten equals seventy.
71. Bang on the Drum (71) - Rhymes with seventy-one.
72. Six Dozen (72) - Six dozens make up 72.
73. Queen B (73) - Rhymes with seventy-three.
74. Candy Store (74) - Rhymes with seventy-four.
75. Strive and Strive (75) - Rhymes with seventy-five.
76. Trombones (76) - Refers to the musical "The Music Man" which features the song "76 Trombones".
77. All the Sevens (77) - Both digits are seven.
78. Heaven's Gate (78) - Rhymes with seventy-eight.
79. One More Time (79) - Rhymes with seventy-nine.
80. Eight and Blank (80) - Just saying the numbers, with "blank" standing in for zero.
81. Stop and Run (81) - Rhymes with eighty-one.
82. Straight On Through (82) - Rhymes with eighty-two.
83. Time for Tea (83) - Rhymes with eighty-three.
84. Seven Dozen (84) - Seven dozens make up 84.
85. Staying Alive (85) - Rhymes with eighty-five and refers to the Bee Gees' song "Staying Alive".
86. Between the Sticks (86) - Rhymes with eighty-six.
87. Fat Lady with a Crutch (87) - Visual joke based on the shape of the numbers.
88. Two Fat Ladies (88) - Both digits resemble the shape of a "fat lady".
89. Nearly There (89) - Nearly at the end of the bingo numbers.
90. Top of the Shop (90) - The highest number in bingo.

How to create your own bingo calls

Creating your own bingo calls is a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your game. It can also be a fun activity in and of itself, providing a unique spin to the traditional rules. Here are some tips on how to create your own memorable, entertaining, and easily understandable bingo calls:

1. Use rhymes

Rhyming words are easier to remember and add a playful touch to your calls. Think "Keys in the Door" for 24 or "Jive Hive" for 45. You'll find that creating these rhymes can be as much fun as the game itself.

2. Draw inspiration from pop culture

Movies, TV shows, songs, and celebrities can offer a wealth of inspiration. For instance, instead of "Two Little Ducks" for 22, you could use "Taylor Swift" (considering her lucky number and birth date is 22).

3. Reference local landmarks or inside jokes

If you're playing with a group of friends or people from the same area, using references that only you understand can add a fun, insider feel to your game. This could be a local landmark, a shared joke, or a common experience. For instance, if there's a popular local bakery, you could use "Bakery Gate" for number 8.

4. Use visual cues

Just as traditional bingo calls often refer to the visual appearance of numbers, you can use visual cues for your own calls. This could be anything that the number reminds you of. For example, "Snake's Path" for number 2, as it resembles the sinuous movement of a snake.

5. Tie it to a theme

If your bingo game is part of a themed event, like a birthday party or holiday gathering, make your calls match the theme. For a Christmas game, for instance, you could use "Santa's Sleigh" for number 8, or for a birthday party, "Birthday Cake" for number 8.

6. Make it funny

Humor is a big part of traditional bingo calls, and it's a great way to keep your game light-hearted and entertaining. Don't be afraid to be a little silly or cheeky with your calls. Remember, the aim is to entertain and have fun!

7. Keep it clear

While it's fun to be creative with your calls, make sure they're still clear and easy to understand. You want to ensure that all the players can easily match the call to the correct number.

Remember, the key to creating great bingo calls is to keep them engaging, memorable, and easy to understand. So get creative, have fun, and add your own spin to your next bingo game!

How to be a great bingo caller

A great bingo caller does more than just read out numbers—they bring energy, rhythm, and personality to the game. Whether you’re calling numbers for a casual game night or a larger event, these tips will help you keep players engaged and entertained.

1. Master the pacing

• Call numbers at a steady but lively pace—too fast, and players struggle to keep up; too slow, and the game drags.
• A good rule of thumb is one number every 10-15 seconds to keep the momentum going.

2. Use a clear and confident voice

• Speak loudly and clearly so all players can hear you.
• Enunciate tricky numbers (e.g., say “six and zero, sixty” instead of just “sixty”).
• If playing with a mix of beginners and seasoned players, keep your announcements consistent.

3. Make the bingo calls entertaining

• Use traditional bingo calls where appropriate (“Two Little Ducks, 22!”) to add humor.
• If you're playing with friends or hosting a themed event, get creative with your own custom calls.
• Encourage light-hearted interactions—players love when a caller brings enthusiasm and fun commentary.

4. Engage with the players

• Keep the energy high by reacting to near-wins, calling out players on a hot streak, or playfully teasing them when they just miss a number.
• A simple “Ooooh, just one away for Sarah!” adds excitement.

5. Use an online bingo caller for smooth gameplay

• If you want an easy way to call numbers without losing track, use a free online bingo caller.
• It ensures numbers are announced in a random order and can even include classic bingo calls automatically.

6. Keep the mood fun and inclusive

• Bingo is meant to be lighthearted—avoid rushing players or being too strict with the rules.
• Encourage first-time players and create a welcoming atmosphere.
• If playing with kids, consider slowing down the pace slightly and using visual aids or extra explanations.

With the right mix of enthusiasm, clarity, and pacing, you can turn any bingo night into a lively and memorable experience!

A short history of bingo calls

The tradition of bingo calls dates back centuries, evolving alongside the game itself. Bingo traces its roots to 16th-century Italy, where it originated as “Lo Giuoco del Lotto D’Italia,” a lottery-style game. By the 18th century, it had spread across Europe, gaining popularity in France and Germany before reaching Britain, where it truly took on a life of its own.

The British influence: The birth of bingo calls

In the 1920s and 1930s, bingo became a working-class pastime in the UK, played in fairs, pubs, and large bingo halls. With noisy crowds and poor acoustics, callers needed a way to make numbers clear and memorable—thus, bingo calls were born.

Early bingo callers took inspiration from:

• Cockney rhyming slang (e.g., “Two Little Ducks” for 22).
• Military phrases (e.g., “Doctor’s Orders” for 9, referring to a wartime laxative pill).
• British humor and wordplay (e.g., “Legs Eleven” for 11, referencing the number’s shape).

By the mid-20th century, bingo halls flourished across the UK, and these playful calls became an integral part of the experience, passed down through generations.

The Influence of War, Media, and Pop Culture

During World War II, bingo was played among soldiers and civilians alike, further popularizing some military-inspired calls. The post-war boom saw a rise in commercial bingo halls, bringing even more creativity to the calls.

With the advent of television and radio, pop culture references crept into the mix. Calls like “Danny La Rue” (52)paid homage to the famous entertainer, while later additions like “Dancing Queen” (17) nodded to ABBA’s hit song.

Bingo calls around the world: Regional variations

As bingo spread beyond Britain, different regions put their own spin on the tradition:

• United States – While American bingo focuses less on rhyming calls, players still hear some classics like “B-4 and After.” Calls referencing American culture (e.g., “Route 66” (66)) occasionally make appearances.
• Australia – Australian bingo embraces local slang, with calls like “Tom Mix” (6) referencing the cowboy movie star.
• Canada – A blend of British and American influences, sometimes incorporating hockey-themed calls like “Hockey Sticks” (7).
• Other regions – Some European and Latin American versions of bingo have developed their own call traditions, often tied to local folklore or numerology.

Bingo calls in the digital age

Today, as bingo moves online, traditional calls are evolving. Modern versions incorporate internet culture, with phrases like “Netflix & Chill” (69) and “Selfie Queen” (17) reflecting contemporary trends. However, many of the original calls remain beloved, preserving the charm of a game that has entertained players for generations.

From wartime barracks to online chat rooms, bingo calls have stood the test of time—proof that bingo is more than just numbers; it’s a shared experience, full of humor, history, and community.

Regional variations of bingo calls

While many bingo calls are universal, different countries have developed their own unique spins based on culture, humor, and history. Below are some of the best-known regional variations from the UK, USA, and Australia—each adding its own flavor to the game.

1. UK vs. USA: Classic vs. Straightforward

The UK is famous for its rhyming and playful bingo calls, while American bingo tends to be more direct and practical.

In the UK, bingo calls are designed to be entertaining and full of personality, whereas in the USA, the numbers are often just read as-is, focusing on speed and clarity.

2. UK vs. Australia: Humor & Slang

Australian bingo calls borrow from both UK traditions and Aussie slang, often using local references.

Australia blends rhyming traditions with pop culture and local wildlife, making the calls feel uniquely Aussie.

3. UK vs. Canada: British Influence with Local Twists

Since Canada has strong British roots, many of its bingo calls mirror the UK’s. However, some calls have evolved to reflect Canadian culture and traditions.

Canadian bingo calls incorporate hockey, national symbols, and local legends, making them distinct while still paying homage to their British roots.

Each region brings its own humor, history, and pop culture references to bingo calls, proving that bingo is much more than just numbers—it’s a reflection of the people who play it!