List of Funny Bingo Calls & Their Explanations

The callers at Bingo and the nicknames for the numbers are both integral parts of Bingo’s electrifying entertainment value. It’s a bonus to wait for your number to be called in a funny and sometimes cheeky way, along with the thrill of marking off your numbers and winning prizes.

Today, bingo fans can play a classic game of Bingo on an online bingo site, where the numbers are selected by a random number generator (RNG), thanks to modern technology. However, if you visit your local Bingo Hall, you’ll hear the catchy and witty Bingo calls you’re familiar with.

Depending on the setting, formal or informal, bingo calls can be customized to fit the occasion. Here, we list and explain some of the all-time favorites and some of the new bingo calls doing rounds today.

What Are Bingo Calls?

Bingo calls serve as individual clarifiers for the 90 numbers displayed during a game. These unique nicknames arose as practical solutions for distinguishing similar-sounding numbers, particularly in noisy environments. This linguistic creativity has roots in London’s bingo halls and has since evolved, incorporating elements of pop culture. 

Understanding these calls is a key aspect of learning how to play bingo, as they add both fun and clarity to the game. The following section provides a detailed list of bingo numbers alongside their corresponding calls, shedding light on the variations that emerge from different regions and caller styles.

Traditional Bingo Calls

Traditional bingo calls resonate with a sense of historical importance, nostalgia, and charm. Each call, unique in its own right, transforms more than just a number. They are associated with stories, origins, or rhymes, adding depth to the bingo names for numbers. 

As players navigate the bingo calls list, they experience a journey through a rich cultural tapestry. The bingo calling numbers 1–90 are not just a sequence but a collection of narratives, each with its unique flair. The list below goes beyond mere calls; it delves into the heart of the game, revealing the creativity and tradition behind bingo number rhymes.

Number	Bingo call	Brief explanation
1	Kelly’s eye	Military slang term. Possibly linked to the outlaw Ned Kelly.
2	One little duck	The number two visually resembles a duck.
3	Cup of tea	A playful rhyme with a British touch
4	Knock at the door	Echoing a line from a children’s rhyme
5	Man alive	A rhyming phrase
6	Half a dozen Tom Mix	Straightforward count Tribute to a Western film star
7	Lucky seven	Universally recognized as a lucky number
8	Garden gate One fat lady	A rhyming code “8” resembles a voluptuous figure
9	Doctor’s orders	Originates from a military laxative pill number
10	(Prime Minister’s) den	Customizable with the current Prime Minister
11	Legs eleven	The number looks like a pair of legs
12	One dozen	Simply twelve units
13	Unlucky for some	Reflects superstition around the number 13
14	Valentine’s day	Marks the date of the romantic holiday
15	Young and keen	Rhymes and reflects youthful enthusiasm
16	Sweet sixteen	Celebrates this coming-of-age milestone
17	Dancing queen	Reference to the famous ABBA song
18	Coming of age	Signifies adulthood in the UK
19	Goodbye teens	Marks the end of teenage years
20	One score	A traditional counting term for 20
21	Key of the door  Royal salute	Age of independence   Military tradition
22	Two little ducks	The number resembles two ducks
23	The Lord is my shepherd Thee and me	Biblical psalm An old rhyme
24	Two dozen	Simply 24
25	Duck and dive	Visual and rhyming play with 2 and 5.
26	Half a crown	Old British currency reference
27	Gateway to heaven	A rhyme linking to divinity
28	In a state	Derived from Cockney slang
29	Rise and shine	Encouraging a bright start
30	Dirty Gertie	From a wartime song
31	Get up and run	Energizing call to action
32	Buckle my shoe	From a popular nursery rhyme
33	Dirty knee  Fish, chips, and peas	Rhyme   Classic meal
34	Ask for more	A follow-up rhyme to 33
35	Jump and jive	Evokes a lively dance
36	Three dozen	A simple multiplication
37	More than 11	Factually, more than 11
38	Christmas cake	Another Cockney slang phrase
39	Steps	Refers to the movie The 39 Steps
40	Naughty 40 Life begins	Rhyming fun A proverb about life’s start
41	Time for fun	Rhymes with the desire for enjoyment
42	Winnie the Pooh	Rhymes with the beloved children’s character
43	Down on your knees	A phrase from military history
44	Droopy drawers	A humorous visual rhyme
45	Halfway there	Midpoint in a game of 90-ball bingo
46	Up to tricks	Suggests playful mischief
47	Four and seven	Simply the numbers stated
48	Four dozen	Another straightforward count
49	PC	A nod to an old police series
50	Half a century It’s a bullseye!5 – 0, 5 – 0, it’s off to work we go	Fifty years Darts scoreSnow White reference
51	Tweak of the thumb	A rhyming phrase
52	Danny La Rue Deck of cards	Tribute to the entertainer Number of cards in a deck
53	Here comes Herbie! Stuck in the tree	Disney car reference Visual rhyme
54	Clean the floor Man at the door	Rhymes with 54
55	Snakes alive	Rhymes and resembles snakes
56	Was she worth it? Shotts bus	Old marriage license cost Local reference
57	Heinz varieties	From the company’s slogan
58	Make them wait	A simple rhyme
59	Brighton line	Refers to a train line
60	Grandma’s getting frisky Five dozen	Humorous age reference Count
61	Baker’s bun	A playful rhyme
62	Tickety-boo Turn the screw	Pressure phrase Rhymes with 62
63	Tickle me	Rhymes, a light-hearted call
64	Almost retired Red raw	On the cusp of retirement age Rhymes with 64
65	Old age pension	The milestone age for pension eligibility
66	Clickety click	Rhymes with 66
67	Stairway to heaven	Inspired by the famous Led Zeppelin song
68	Pick a mate Saving grace	Encourages choosing a companion A phrase denoting a fortunate turn
69	Any way up A favorite of mine	The number looks the same upside-down Referring to the 69 sex position
70	Three score and 10	A biblical way of saying 70
71	Bang on the drum	Suggests making a celebratory noise
72	Six dozen	A simple multiplication, twelve times six
73	Queen bee	Rhymes, suggests authority or a pivotal figure in a group
74	Hit the floor Candy store	An invitation to dance A sweet treat
75	Strive and strive	Rhymes with 75
76	Trombones	A reference to the musical number in the show The Music Man.
77	Sunset Strip	A nod to the famous TV show
78	39 more steps	A clever doubling of the number 39
79	One more time	Rhymes with 79
80	Gandhi’s breakfast Eight and blank	A pun on “ate nothing” Simply “8” and a space
81	Stop and run Fat lady with a walking stick	Rhymes, a contradictory phrase Visual imagery of the number
82	Straight on through	Rhymes with 82
83	Time for tea	Rhymes, a quintessentially British phrase
84	Give me more	Rhymes
85	Staying alive	A reference to the popular Bee Gees song
86	Between the sticks	A soccer term for the goalkeeper’s position
87	Torquay in Devon	A geographical reference to a place in the UK
88	Two fat ladies	The shape of the numbers resembles two women side by side
89	Nearly there	Indicates being close to the end
90	Top of the shop	Highest number in bingo

Modern and Funny Bingo Calls

As bingo continues to evolve and adapt to modern times, its calls also undergo a transformation. This dynamic shift in calls is a reflection of contemporary cultural influences, evident in the updated list of modern bingo calls.

These new calls often draw inspiration from recent events, celebrities, and current trends. They represent a fresh take on the classic game, injecting humor and relevance into every round. As for funny bingo calls, they add entertainment, often eliciting smiles from players. 

While traditional calls hold a special place in the hearts of many, these bingo callouts provide a refreshing change, and we’ll go over some of them now in the table below.

Number	Modern Bingo Calls	Brief explanation
1	One Direction	A nod to the famous British boy band
2	Doctor Who	A tribute to the iconic British sci-fi television series
8	Tinder date	Reflecting modern dating culture, where swiping right can lead to a date
9	Selfie time	Capturing the era of smartphones and the selfie craze
14	Netflix and chill	A popular phrase indicating a relaxed night in, often with romantic implications.
15	Yass queen	A phrase of empowerment, popular in gay culture
22	Tay Tay	A playful reference to Taylor Swift, the renowned pop singer
48	Not another Brexit debate	A humorous nod to the seemingly endless discussions about Brexit
49	Amazon Prime	Signifying the era of rapid online shopping and streaming services
71	J-Lo’s bum	Celebrating the famous pop star Jennifer Lopez, known for her curves
86	Instagram pics	Represents the culture of sharing life moments on Instagram
88	Wills and Kate	Reference to the royal couple, Prince William and Kate Middleton

The Origin Story of Bingo Nicknames

The tradition of using rhymes with bingo numbers dates back to mid-20th century London. Initially, these rhymes served a unique purpose, functioning as coded messages or secret lingo among groups. 

When bingo started to gain popularity, players in bingo halls adopted these ingenious rhymes as a practical tool to distinguish between similar-sounding numbers. For instance, distinguishing between 15 and 50 in a bustling hall became easier with these unique nicknames.

As bingo grew in popularity even more, these original rhymes evolved, resulting in new bingo phrases that varied from one region to another. Each district added local culture and humor to the mix. This evolution transformed bingo calls into a colorful mosaic of expressions, reflecting the diversity and creativity of bingo communities worldwide.

To Call or Not to Call? The Bingo Lingo Dilemma

Whimsical nicknames assigned to bingo balls have been a topic of debate among bingo callers. Is it better to stick to straightforward, clear number announcements or embrace the fun and playful aspect of bingo lingo? This dilemma often boils down to personal preference and audiences’ expectations. 

The UK’s first female bingo caller, Mandy Gorgan, offers a unique perspective. Prioritizing clarity and focus in her calling style, Mandy chooses not to use traditional calls like “legs 11.” She argues that with significant sums of money involved in the game, silly lingo can be more distracting than entertaining.

Beacon Bingo Club’s assistant manager, Mark Wilson, notes a shift in trends, highlighting that certain traditional calls like 88 have become outdated. “It’s very cheesy,” he remarks, suggesting a continuous evolution of bingo lingo.

The Internet’s Influence on the Evolution of Bingo Calling Numbers

The digital age has played a significant role in transforming bingo, particularly in how bingo nicknames are used and shared. With the rise of online gambling, bingo fanatics from the UK and beyond can connect and play free bingo, sharing regional sayings and enjoying camaraderie. This online interaction has helped spread bingo calls more widely than ever, keeping them vibrant and evolving.

Playing bingo, whether on online bingo sites, in a pub, or in a traditional bingo hall, isn’t just about the game; it’s about the community. The humorous banter over various calls and numbers adds to the fun, creating bonds among players who share laughs and the thrill of the game. This sense of community is a key reason why bingo remains one of the most beloved gambling games worldwide.