It only takes one visit to a bustling bingo hall to realise that the numbers are only half the fun. The other half comes wrapped in rhyme and nostalgia.
You hear a caller shout, “Two little ducks—22!” and the room answers with knowing laughter or affectionate groans. And as bingo continues to thrive in traditional halls and online lobbies alike, the language of the game still connects generations across accents and attitudes.
Military influence
Long before the classic game echoed around seaside resorts, soldiers found ways to entertain themselves with games of chance. British servicemen in the Second World War played versions of bingo – sometimes called “housey-housey” – to pass the time and lift morale.
The military’s influence trickled into the calls themselves. Phrases like “Kelly’s Eye” for number 1 likely nod to the one-eyed boxer from early 20th-century folklore, whose image adorned army posters.
“Legs eleven” raised more than a few eyebrows in barracks, too – its double entendre kept spirits high in grim conditions.
Cockney rhyming slang
In East London, market traders sold both produce and punchlines. Cockney rhyming slang filtered naturally into bingo calls, especially in working-class venues from the 1950s onwards.
You still hear “Garden Gate” for 8, or “Baker’s Bun” for 61, even though few players today know their origins. These calls carry tradition passed between generations with a wink rather than a lecture.
If you want to explore the roots yourself, spend time with older players who grew up with the slang. Don’t forget to listen out for the cadence and mischief in their delivery.
Pop culture references
Not all bingo calls belong to the past. As society changes, so do the phrases. “Dirty Gertie” for 30 started as a wartime ditty, but newer calls reflect more recent icons.
“Ali G” for 33, or “Dancing Queen” for 17, pepper modern games with cinematic and celebrity nods. You don’t need to be a bingo historian to create your own version, either.
Personalise a night in with your friends by renaming numbers after your own shared jokes or TV obsessions. As long as your audience gets it, you’re continuing the tradition in your own way.
The evolution of bingo calls
While purists may mourn the loss of old standards, today’s calls prove just how alive the game remains. Online bingo hosts often tweak or replace classic phrases to appeal to younger players or reflect current events.
Some swap double entendres for family-friendly humour; others lean into memes or slang. The key is participation. You don’t just listen – you join in, laugh, and maybe even cringe just a little. That’s what keeps the game thriving.