B4 Bingo, Learn the Lingo!

Written by Nancy Ewald 
Co-founder of Activity Connection

Love it or hate it, bingo is a big deal in many communities. It’s a staple on calendars across the spectrum of senior living. It’s a game most anyone, if so inclined, can play and enjoy. And, since it is purely a game of chance, every player has an equal opportunity to win. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t like to win? 

But even the most beloved games can become a bit monotonous and stale over time, even for the caller. If your bingo sessions are feeling a bit ho-hum, it might be time to liven things up. Enter bingo lingo with a splash of humor, rhyme, and personality that can bring your game to life.  

I-18: What Does It Mean? 

The Fun and Function of Bingo Lingo 

Bingo lingo refers to the catchy, often rhyming, phrases used to announce numbers during a game. Besides being fun, there is a practical reason for the use of the calls. If you have ever been to a bingo hall, you know how loud it can be. Bingo callers often use humorous, memorable phrases to help players easily distinguish between similar-sounding numbers—especially in noisy settings. 

N-33: Here’s the History! 

A Quick Trip Through Time and Tradition 

The concept isn’t new. Bingo lingo first appeared in London in the early 20th century. The game gained popularity during WWI, often used as a fundraiser for the military and a source of entertainment for soldiers and civilians. Played in pubs and large halls with noisy crowds and poor acoustics, callers needed a way to make numbers clear and memorable—thus, bingo lingo was born. 

Trivia Tidbit: Londoners originally called the game Housey-Housey, derived from the cry of “House!” shouted by the winner after filling their card.   

As the game took off, especially among the military, callers began using colorful phrases tied to everyday army life. These early examples set the tone for the playful style that would follow: 

• B-9: Doctor’s Orders – Refers to Laxative No. 9, issued to soldiers 

• N-43: Down on Your Knees – A drill command used by officers 

• I-21: Royal Salute – Named after the traditional 21-gun salute 

Early bingo callers also drew inspiration from Cockney slang, creating colorful, often humorous rhymes that stuck in players’ memories:  

• N-38: Pick a Mate 

• N-44: Droopy Drawers 

• N-35: Jump and Jive – Referring to a jive dance step 

• O-60: Grandma’s Getting Frisky 

But rhyme wasn’t the only game in town—some calls simply took their cue from the shape of the numbers themselves:  

• B-11: Legs Eleven – The two 1s resemble legs 

• I-22: Two Little Ducks – Often followed by “quack, quack, quack!” 

• O-69: Either Way Up – Reads the same upside down 

• B-8: One Fat Lady – A phrase now often avoided  

Alongside rhymes and shapes, everyday British life also found its way into the bingo hall, infusing the calls with local culture and familiar references: 

• B-3: Cup of Tea  

• B-9: Brighton Line – A railway from London to Brighton  

• B-10: (Prime Minister)’s Den – A reference to 10 Downing Street 

• O-64: Almost Retired – Reflecting the British retirement age of 65 

G-59: Going Online 

From ABBA to Avocados 

Eventually, influences from movies, music, and pop culture made their mark on bingo lingo. 

• N-42: Winnie-the-Pooh 

• I-17: Dancing Queen – Reference to the ABBA song 

• I-16, Never Been Kissed – After the song “Sweet Sixteen and Never Been Kissed” 

• I-55: 5-Oh, 5-Oh, It’s Off to Work We Go – From Snow White 

• G-53: Here Comes Herbie – From the VW Beetle in the Disney movie 

As bingo spread beyond Britain, different countries came up with their own calls. You might hear “O-66: Route 66” in the U.S. or “B-7: Hockey Stick” in Canada. 

Today, with the rise of online bingo, the lingo is shifting again. Digital platforms have opened the door for cheekier, more modern phrases that speak to a whole new generation of players. 

• N-38: Avocado on a Plate 

• B-8: Tinder Date  

• B-13: Birth-Tay – A shoutout to Taylor Swift’s birthday 

• O-74: Recycle More  

• I-17: Selfie Queen  

Still, many traditional calls remain widely used and beloved.  

Not Everyone’s B-3: Cup of Tea 

When to Use Lingo—and When to Hold Back 

In general, the number is called first, followed by the phrase. However, bingo can be a very serious business for some players who might not appreciate the added flair. “Forget the lingo, just call the bingo!” 

So, ease into it. Try starting with a few phrases here and there, like:  

• B-4: (Before) I call the next number… 

• I-26: Pick up sticks 

• N-32: Buckle your shoe 

• G-54: Knock at the door 

• O-63: Busy as a bee 

Let the mood of the room guide you. A little humor can go a long way if everyone’s having fun. 

B-8: Create!  

Make Your Own Bingo Lingo 

Creating your own bingo lingo adds a personal twist to the game and can be a fun activity in itself. Invite players to invent their own!   

A Few Quick Tips: 

• Keep it short and sweet. Lengthy lines confuse the flow. 

• Make it memorable. Rhymes and puns work best and are easiest to remember. 

• Be clear. Players should quickly associate the phrase with the number. 

• Test it out. Gauge reactions before going all in. 

• Use a theme. Tie the calls to names, places, special events, or holidays. 

B-2: Bingo for Who? 

Using Players’ Names 

Want to really personalize the game? Use players’ names! If a player’s name rhymes with the number, make it the call.  

• B-11: That’s for Evan! 

• I-16: Have you seen Eileen? 

• N-39: Good luck, Caroline. 

• G-54: We love you, Elenore! 

• O-72: Got the number, Lou? 

This little touch can make the room feel more connected and engaged. 

O-61: Holiday Fun 

Special Occasion Bingo Lingo 

Holidays are the perfect excuse to get extra creative. 

Christmas Bingo 

Christmas calls with an added yuletide twist: 

• B-5: Golden rings 

• I-17: Mr. Grinch is mean! 

• N-44: Presents galore! 

• G-53: Rockin’ around the Christmas tree 

• O-67: Star in the heaven  

St. Patrick’s Day 

• B-3: I’m Irish, kiss me! 

• I-17: Wearin’ of the green! 

• N-44: Four-leaf clover all over!  

• G-54: Gold galore! 

• O-63: Oh, lucky me! 

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! 

O-75: Final Call 

Refresh the Game. Revive the Fun. 

Whether you’re calling the numbers or playing along, filling out your card, bingo lingo can bring fresh energy, laughter, and a sense of playfulness to the game. It can turn an ordinary game into something memorable, full of big smiles and a lot of fun.  

Ready to level up your bingo game?  
 
Share your favorite bingo lingo or a clever call you’ve come up with in the comments! Got a holiday theme or a player-inspired rhyme? We’d love to hear it. Let’s keep the creativity (and the numbers) rolling! 

Next time you break out the bingo cards, try out a few new bingo calls. See which ones get laughs, groans, or cheers. Better yet, let your players create their own! Bingo is better when everyone’s in on the fun. 

Speaking of fun, check out the Activity Connection Bingo page, where you’ll find new themed bingo cards and creative twists every month—perfect for keeping things fresh and festive. Ready to level up your bingo game? 

Grab our free 1960’s bingo card to spark some smiles at your next game! 

Share your favorite bingo lingo or a clever call you’ve come up with in the comments. Got a holiday theme or a player-inspired rhyme? We’d love to hear it. Let’s keep the creativity (and the numbers) rolling! 

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