20th May 2023

What are Bingo Calls?

Bingo Calls – Classic, Funny, and Modern Sayings

Bingo is one of the most beloved games worldwide, offering a blend of excitement, suspense, and fun. Whether you’re at a bingo hall, participating in an online game, or playing with family and friends at home, one of the most entertaining aspects of bingo is its unique language.

In this guide, we will explore the different types of bingo calls—classic, funny, and modern. We’ll delve into the history and origins of bingo calls, compare US and UK bingo calls, and even provide tips on creating your own!

US Bingo Calls

In the United States, bingo calls tend to be more straightforward and simple, focusing primarily on the letter-number combination. Each number is called with its corresponding letter from the bingo card’s grid (B, I, N, G, O) followed by the number itself. While these calls are functional and efficient, they lack the flair and creativity of their British counterparts.

Key Features of US Bingo Calls:

Numeric Simplicity: In the US, each number is called using its letter and number combination, such as “B1” for the number one, “I16” for sixteen, and “G60” for sixty. This direct approach ensures clarity but doesn’t offer much room for embellishment.
Fewer Cultural References: US bingo calls typically lack the colorful, rhyming slang found in UK calls. The calls are more focused on clear communication and less on humor or cultural references.
Modern Adaptations: With the rise of online bingo and themed games, US calls are beginning to incorporate more modern references, such as those tied to pop culture, holidays, and popular phrases.

Examples of Common US Bingo Calls:

B1: B-One – The simplest and most common call, representing the number 1 in the bingo card’s “B” column.

I16: I-Sixteen – Another basic call, referring to the number 16 in the “I” column.

G60: G-Sixty – The number 60 is called using the “G” column designation, providing a clear and efficient way to announce the number.

Despite the simplicity of US bingo calls, players still enjoy a touch of creativity, especially during themed or casual events. For example, a fun variation might be calling “Bingo Busters” for number 5 or “Cinderella’s Ride” for number 12.

Comparison: British Bingo Calls vs. US Bingo Calls

One of the most significant differences between US and UK bingo calls lies in their creativity and complexity. While US calls are generally straightforward, UK bingo calls are known for their playful rhymes, puns, and references to British history, culture, and popular sayings. British bingo calls are more colorful and engaging, often evoking laughter and a sense of camaraderie among players.

Key Differences:

Rhyming Slang and Cultural References: UK bingo calls are often based on rhyming slang, with many phrases referring to famous figures, songs, or visual cues. For instance, “Two Little Ducks” for number 22 is a visual reference to the shape of the number 22, which resembles two ducks swimming together.
Playful Language: British bingo calls tend to be more playful and elaborate, adding humor and wit to the game. For example, the number 11 is called “Legs Eleven,” playing off the visual appearance of the number 11 resembling two legs.
More Complex Sayings: UK bingo calls often include fun, quirky names for numbers that make the game feel like more of a social event, rather than just a game of chance. Calls like “Doctor’s Orders” for number 9 or “Two Fat Ladies” for number 88 are examples of the entertaining nature of UK bingo calls.

Examples of British Bingo Calls:

1: Kelly’s Eye – One of the most iconic UK bingo calls, referring to a famous British character, Kelly, who is often said to have “an eye” for the number 1.

22: Two Little Ducks – The number 22 is called “Two Little Ducks” because its shape resembles two ducks swimming side by side.

88: Two Fat Ladies – This call refers to the visual similarity between the number 88 and two large women standing together. It’s a fun and memorable call that adds humor to the game.

History and Origins of Bingo Calls

Bingo calls have a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the early 20th century. The game itself originated from an Italian lottery game called “Lo Gioco del Lotto d’Italia” and spread across Europe before reaching the United States. As bingo made its way to the UK, it began to develop its own unique identity, with bingo calls becoming an integral part of the game.

Early Days of Bingo Calls:

In the beginning, bingo calls were fairly simple, with numbers being called out plainly and without embellishment. However, as bingo became more popular in the UK, bingo halls began incorporating rhymes, puns, and references to famous personalities or events. This made the game more lively and enjoyable for players, turning it into a social event as well as a game of chance.

The Role of Rhyming Slang:

British rhyming slang played a significant role in the evolution of bingo calls. Rhyming slang is a type of informal language in which words are replaced by phrases that rhyme with them. For instance, number 11 is called “Legs Eleven,” while number 29 is called “Baker’s Dozen.” This creative and playful language was a natural fit for bingo and quickly became a hallmark of UK bingo calls.

Modern Bingo Calls

The rise of online bingo has ushered in a new era of bingo calls. Today, bingo calls can be heard in a wide range of styles, from classic rhyming phrases to modern, pop culture references. As bingo becomes increasingly popular with younger, tech-savvy audiences, online bingo rooms are incorporating fresh, contemporary calls to keep the game exciting.

Online Bingo and Pop Culture Influence:

Online bingo has played a significant role in the evolution of modern bingo calls. Many online bingo platforms aim to appeal to younger players by using references to movies, TV shows, and social media trends. This allows players to engage with the game in a more personalized and relatable way.

Examples of Modern Bingo Calls:

50: Fifty Shades – A nod to the popular book and movie series Fifty Shades of Grey, this call is playful and cheeky, appealing to a modern audience.

69: Netflix and Chill – A fun reference to the internet meme “Netflix and chill,” making this call one of the more humorous and light-hearted ones.

14: For the Win – A phrase borrowed from gaming culture, “For the Win” is now commonly used as a call for the number 14 in online bingo games.

In addition to these modern references, online bingo games also feature special-themed calls for holidays, celebrity events, and popular culture phenomena, adding even more excitement to the game.

Tips for Creating Your Own Bingo Sayings

Creating your own bingo calls can add a personal touch to any bingo game, whether you’re hosting a party, playing with family, or organizing a themed event. Making unique bingo calls is a great way to keep the game exciting and memorable. Here’s how you can craft your own creative bingo sayings:

How to Create Your Own Bingo Calls:

Choose a Theme: First, decide on a theme for your bingo game. Is it a holiday party, a sports event, or a birthday celebration? The theme will provide inspiration for your bingo calls.

Use Rhymes and Wordplay: Rhyming is a key feature of bingo calls. Play with words and try to come up with clever rhymes that relate to the number you’re calling.

Be Humorous: Funny calls are always a hit. Think about inside jokes, cultural references, or even popular memes that could make a great bingo call.

Be Creative: Numbers can be visually interpreted in different ways. Look for patterns or associations between numbers and things that match. For example, 4 can be “Four-Leaf Clover” for a St. Patrick’s Day-themed game.

After coming up with your personalized calls, don’t forget to design bingo cards to match! Check out our guide on How to Make Your Own Bingo Cards to create the perfect bingo experience for any occasion.

Now that you know all there is to know about Bingo calls, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test and play some Bingo!