The Language of Bingo Numbers

Enter the captivating realm of bingo number calls and immerse yourself in the colorful tapestry of whimsical nicknames that bring this classic game to life. Explore the rich history and unique stories behind each number's endearing moniker.

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Published: Dec 29th, 2023

Nanda Sidhu

Bingo expert

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What are bingo nicknames?

Bingo nicknames, also known as bingo calls or bingo lingo, are a unique set of phrases associated with each number in the game. These nicknames add an element of fun and whimsy to the traditional calling of numbers, creating a distinct language that bingo players use to communicate during games. The origins of bingo nicknames can be traced back to the early days of the game, primarily in traditional bingo halls.

The use of bingo nicknames started as a way to inject entertainment into the calling of numbers and engage the players. The names are often rhyming or alliterative phrases that sound similar to the numerical digits they represent. For example, the number 7 is commonly called "Lucky 7," and 22 might be referred to as "Two Little Ducks" due to the resemblance of the number's shape to two ducks.

These playful and creative nicknames not only serve to make the game more enjoyable but also help distinguish between similar-sounding numbers, especially in the lively and sometimes noisy atmosphere of bingo halls. Additionally, bingo callers often use a distinctive style when announcing numbers, incorporating theatrical flair and humor to entertain the audience.

The tradition of bingo nicknames has been passed down through generations, evolving and adapting over time. While some nicknames have regional variations, many have become widely recognized and accepted in the broader bingo-playing community. The use of these nicknames has expanded beyond traditional bingo halls to include online bingo platforms, where they add a nostalgic and amusing touch to the virtual gaming experience.

The creation of bingo nicknames reflects the social and communal nature of the game. Players enjoy the shared language and camaraderie that these nicknames foster, contributing to the sense of belonging and shared tradition within the bingo community. Over the years, the creativity and variety of bingo nicknames have continued to grow, making them an integral and cherished part of the overall bingo experience.

Popular bingo calls

From the iconic 'Two Little Ducks' to the lively 'Legs Eleven,' these endearing calls add a delightful touch to the game, infusing each number with its own unique personality. Join us as we explore the colorful history behind these charming phrases, bringing back fond memories and adding a dash of fun to your bingo experience.

Number	Nickname and explanation
1	Kelly's eye - The pun is military slang; possibly a reference to Ned Kelly, from Ned Kelly's helmet, the eye slot resembling the number 1.
2	One little duck - From the resemblance of the number 2 to a duck; see also '22'. Response is a single 'quack.'
3	Cup of tea - Rhymes with 'three'.
4	Knock at the door - From the Nursery rhyme One, Two, Buckle my shoe; Three, Four, Knock at the door.
5	Man alive - Rhymes with 'five'.
6	Half a dozen - A common phrase meaning six units. Tom Mix - Cockney rhyming slang for number 6.
7	Lucky - 7 is considered a lucky number in some cultures.
8	Garden gate - Rhymes with 'eight'. One Fat Lady - From the resemblance of the number 8 to an overweight woman.
9	Brighton line - A reference to the British railway line running from London Victoria and London Bridge to Brighton. Doctor's orders - Number 9 was a laxative pill given out by army doctors in WWII.
10	Rishi's den. - The name refers to 10 Downing Street, the home of the UK Prime Minister.
11	Legs eleven - A reference to the shape of the number resembling a pair of legs, often chicken legs specifically. The players often wolf whistle in response.
12	One dozen - A reference to there being 12 units in one dozen.
13	Unlucky for some - A reference to 13 being an unlucky number.
14	Valentine's Day - A reference to 14 February being St. Valentine's Day.
15	Young and keen - Rhymes with 'fifteen'. Groovy Scene - Also rhymes with 'fifteen'.
16	Never been kissed - After the song Sweet Sixteen and Never Been Kissed. Sweet 16 - Refers to the US and Canadian celebrations of a sweet sixteen birthday.
17	Dancing Queen - ABBA's song Dancing Queen has the number mentioned in the lyrics.
18	Coming of age - Eighteen is the age of majority in the UK. The Vampire's Dream - Almost rhymes with 'eighteen'.
19	Goodbye teens - Nineteen is the age after which people stop being teenagers.
20	One score - A reference to there being 20 units in one score.
21	Key of the door - The traditional age of majority. Royal salute - Named after the traditional 21-gun salute.
22	Two little ducks - The numeral 22 resembles the profile of two ducks. Response is often 'quack, quack, quack'.
23	The Lord is My Shepherd - The first words of Psalm 23 of the Old Testament. Lisa Scott-Lee - The chart position for her 2004 single Get It On, the subject of which has become an internet meme. Thee and me - Rhymes with 'twenty three'.
24	Two dozen - 12 × 2 = 24. Refer to 12 above.
25	Duck and dive - Rhymes with 'twenty five'
26	Half a crown - Pre-decimalized currency in the UK. A half crown is equivalent to 2 shillings and sixpence, written 2/6 and pronounced 'two and six'. Pick and mix - Rhymes with 'twenty six'.
27	Duck and a crutch - The number 2 looks like a duck and the number 7 looks like a crutch. Gateway to Heaven - Rhymes with 'twenty seven'.
28	In a state - 'Two and eight' is rhyming slang for 'state'. Overweight - Rhymes with 'twenty eight'.
29	Rise and shine - Rhymes with 'twenty nine'.
30	Dirty Gertie - Common rhyme derived from the given name Gertrude, used as a nickname for the statue La Delivrance installed in North London in 1927. The usage was reinforced by Dirty Gertie from Bizerte, a bawdy song sung by Allied soldiers in North Africa during the Second World War.
31	Get up and run - Rhymes with 'thirty one'.
32	Buckle my shoe - Rhymes with 'thirty two'.
33	Dirty knee - Rhymes with 'thirty three'.
34	Ask for more - Rhymes with 'thirty four'.
35	Jump and jive - A dance step.
36	Three dozen - 3 × 12 = 36. Refer to 12 above.
37	More than 11 - Rhymes with 'thirty seven'.
38	Christmas cake - Cockney rhyming slang.
39	Steps - From the 39 Steps.
40	Life begins - Refers to the proverb 'life begins at forty'. Naughty 40 - Possibly in reference to the Naughty Forty.
41	Time for fun - Rhymes with 'forty one'.
42	Winnie the Pooh - Rhymes with 'forty two' and in reference to Winnie-the-Pooh, a beloved UK children's book character.
43	Down on your knees - This was a phrase that was made popular during wartime by soldiers.
44	Droopy drawers - Rhyme that refers to sagging underwear.
45	Halfway there - Being halfway towards 90.
46	Up to tricks - Rhymes with 'forty six'.
47	Four and seven - Refers to the two numbers that make up 47, that being 4 and 7.
48	Four dozen - 4 × 12 = 48
49	PC - Refers to the BBC Radio series 'The Adventures of PC 49'. Usual response is 'Evening all'.
50	It's a bullseye! - Referring to the darts score. 5 - 0, 5 - 0, it's off to work we go - Referring to Snow White. Half a century - Referring to 50 being half of 100.
51	Tweak of the thumb - Rhymes with 'fifty one'.
52	Danny La Rue - A reference to drag entertainer Danny La Rue. Chicken vindaloo - Introduced by Butlins in 2003. Weeks in a year - Number of weeks in a Gregorian year. Deck of cards - Number of cards in a deck.
53	Here comes Herbie! - 53 is the racing number of Herbie the VW Beetle. Players may reply 'beep beep!' Stuck in the tree - Rhymes with 'fifty three'.
54	Man at the door - Rhymes with 'fifty four'. Clean the floor - Rhymes with 'fifty four'.
55	All the fives - 55 is two fives. Snakes alive - Rhymes with 'fifty five'.
56	Shotts bus - Refers to the former number of the bus from Glasgow to Shotts. Was she worth it? - This refers to the pre-decimal price of a marriage license in Britain, 5/6d. The players shout back 'Every Penny!'
57	Heinz varieties - Refers to 'Heinz 57', the '57 Varieties' slogan of the H. J. Heinz Company.
58	Make them wait - Rhymes with 'fifty eight'. Here the announcer would pause, making the audience wait.
59	Brighton line - Quote from The Importance of Being Earnest referencing trains 59 in turn references the number 59 bus running between Brighton and Shoreham-by-Sea.
60	Grandma's getting frisky - Rhymes with 'sixty'. Five dozen - 5 × 12 = 60.
61	Baker's bun - Rhymes with 'sixty one'.
62	Tickety-boo - Rhymes with 'sixty two'. Turn the screw -
63	Tickle me - Rhymes with 'sixty three'.
64	Almost retired - A reference to the former British male age of mandatory retirement – specifically being one year away from it. Red raw - Rhymes with 'sixty four'.
65	Retirement age - A reference to the former male British age of mandatory retirement. Old age pension -
66	Clickety click - Rhymes with 'sixty six'.
67	Stairway to Heaven - Coined by Andrew 'CIP' Lavelle. Made in Heaven - Rhymes with 'sixty seven'.
68	Pick a mate - Coined by Edward James Mackey II. Saving grace - Rhymes with 'sixty eight'.
69	Anyway up - A reference to the number reading the same when viewed upside down. Either way up - Meal for two - A reference to the 69 sex position. A favourite of mine -
70	Three score and 10 - A score is a way of counting in 20s in which one score is 20. 20 × 3 = 60 + 10 = 70. Three score and ten years is the span of life according to the Bible.
71	Bang on the drum - Rhymes with 'seventy one'. J.Lo's bum -
72	Danny La Rue - Rhymes with 'seventy two'. Six dozen - 6 × 12 = 72.
73	Queen bee - Rhymes with 'seventy three'. Under the tree - Lucky 3 - 7 is considered a lucky number in some cultures.
74	Hit the floor - Coined by Ann Fitzsimons. Candy store - Rhymes with 'seventy four'.
75	Strive and strive - Rhymes with 'seventy five'.
76	Trombones - 'Seventy-Six Trombones' is a popular marching song, from the musical The Music Man.
77	Two little crutches - The number 77 resembles 2 little 'Crutches'. Sunset Strip - From the 1960s television series '77 Sunset Strip'. Usually sung by the players.
78	39 more steps - 39 + 39 = 78. Refer to 39 being '39 steps' above. Heaven's gate - Rhymes with 'seventy eight'.
79	One more time - Rhymes with 'seventy nine'.
80	Gandhi's breakfast - 'Ate nothing'. Eight and blank - Refers to 80 being made up of 8 and 0.
81	Fat lady with a walking stick - The number 8 is supposed to visually resemble a lady with ample bosom and hips, while the number 1 is supposed to visually resemble a walking stick. Stop and run - Rhymes with 'eighty one'.
82	Straight on through - Rhymes with 'eighty two'.
83	Time for tea - Rhymes and scans.
84	Give me more - Rhymes and scans.
85	Staying alive - Rhymes with 'eighty five'.
86	Between the sticks - Rhymes with 'eighty six'. Refers to the position of goalkeeper in football.
87	Torquay in Devon - Rhymes with 'eighty seven'. Torquay which is in the county of Devon, rather than one of several other Torquays which were elsewhere in the British Empire.
88	Two fat ladies - The number 88 visually resembles a lady next to another lady. Refer to 8 and 81 above. Players can reply with 'wobble, wobble!'
89	Nearly there - 89 is one away from 90 (the end of the bingo numbers).
90	Top of the shop - 90 is the highest (top) number in bingo. Shop refers to the entire game of bingo (and also rhymes with 'top').