Bingo Calls: Understanding the Fun and Quirky Lingo of Bingo
There are some odd bingo names that you might not be familiar with if you've ever watched or played bingo in a land-based hall or online. It takes more than just one-two-three to call out bingo numbers. In case you were wondering if you had heard it right about Winnie the Pooh or little ducks, you did. Bingo calls are sometimes too odd to be true!
What Are Bingo Calls?
In this section, we will shed some light on what bingo calls are and how they work. If you plan to play this game, this knowledge will come in handy for you.
Definition and Purpose of Bingo Calls
Bingo calls act as separate explanations for each of the ninety numbers that are shown on screen during a game. These original nicknames developed as useful ways to tell apart numbers that sound alike, especially in noisy settings. This creative language originated in the bingo halls of London and has since developed, absorbing aspects of popular culture of other areas as well.
The Role of Bingo Calls
As the game moves a little more slowly, the use of bingo catchphrases has become less common in recent years. Originally, the purpose of using bingo sayings was to make it easier for players to make them out. When you're far away from the caller, it can be difficult to hear the difference between 16 and 60, but you can hear the difference between "never been kissed" and "five dozen."
The Most Common Calls and Their Meanings
We will explain the story behind the most curious phrases in each ten-spot.
1-10
- Kelly’s eye for number 1 (could be either the name of an Australian one-eyed hero or a phrase coming from military slang, it’s not quite clear);
- One little duck for number 2 (the digit looks like a duckling);
- One fat lady for number 8 (the digit looks like a curvy silhouette).
11-20
- Valentine’s Day for number 14 (reference to the holiday for all the lovers in the world);
- Sweet sixteen for number 16 (the age of young adults who are not kids anymore);
- Coming of age for number 18 (the age of adulthood in the UK).
21-30
- Key of the door for number 21 (refers to the age of independence);
- Half a crown for number 26 (refers to the old British currency);
- Gateway to heaven for number 27 (simply a rhyme that sounds cool).
31-40
- Fish, chips, and pea(s) for number 33 (a rhyme, which refers to a traditional and super-yummy British meal);
- Ask for more for number 34 (a rhyme for number 34 and a follow-up for number 33);
- Life begins for number 40 (refers to the saying that life only begins at 40).
41-50
- Time for fun for number 41 (once your life has begun anew, you have a chance to have even more fun);
- Half a century for number 50 (it doesn’t take a paycheck to figure out this one, right?);
- Droopy drawers for number 44 (if you look at the shape of the figures, you might see two people with sagging pants in a loo).
51-60
- Clean the floor for number 54 (this is just a funny rhyme);
- Was she worth it? for number 56 (refers to the price of the old British marriage license);
- Grandma’s getting frisky for number 60 (a funny reference to the women’s age).
61-70
- Tickle me for number 63 (just a cheesy rhyme for the number itself, not much background here);
- Stairway to heaven for number 67 (a reference to a famous song by Led Zeppelin);
- Any way up for number 69 (this number looks the same upside down).
71-80
- Strive and strive for number 75 (just a funny rhyme, nothing less nothing more);
- One more time for number 79 (also just a rhyme, has nothing to do with Britney Spears and her star song);
- Fat lady with a walking stick for number 81 (based on the outlines of the digits).
81-90
- Time for tea for number 83 (this is such a natively British call, what else is there to say?!);
- Two fat ladies for number 88 (again, here come the outlines of the digits, maybe curvy ladies should be honored?);
- Top of the shop for number 90 (this is the highest number in bingo).
How Bingo Calls Enhance the Game Experience
Bingo calls are an irreplaceable part of the game culture. They are unique and fun. No pun intended, but initially bingo was a simple game for the British working class, which found its reflection in the story of calls. Just FYI, working class representatives counted for the most part of the population, so bingo was (and still is) a truly popular game.
Social and Cultural Aspects of Bingo Calls
Bingo calls are usually associated with idiomatic phrases, which in turn are mostly used by the working class. Therefore, they mostly consist of slang and colloquial language founded in a group culture unfamiliar to outsiders. This is one of the reasons bingo creates a strong community sense: players share the same cultural code and language patterns.
How Bingo Calls Create a Sense of Community Among Players
Since bingo is an easy game with pretty straightforward rules, its classic variant is often used to welcome new members of different communities, for example, retirement ones. The game makes elderly people smile and feel the long-gone adrenaline rush instead of the depressing mood common in such facilities. It can be bingo for real money or for tokens.
Variations in Bingo Calls Across Different Regions
Initially, bingo was created in the UK. As it became more popular, the game spread to other regions and countries that added more gusto to the gameflow by contributing elements of their languages and cultures to it.
For example, Americans added bits and pieces of their history and historical heritage to their calls. The phrase “Apollo 11” refers to the U. S. space missions, while “Route 66” resonates with the famous highway in the States. Sometimes, rhymes in slang and regional references are used in Australian bingo calls. Australia's fondness of Western films is reflected in the choice of the phrase for number six, Tom Mix, named for the well-known American cowboy movie star.
Bingo Calls in Online Bingo
In our list above, we shared just a few of the most well-known calls. In online bingo, more unique and humorous call variations are spreading and becoming more well-known as more players meet and talk with one another about the game in active online chat rooms. It can be truly amusing to explore their meanings.
Fun Facts and Trivia About Bingo Calls
Most bingo calls are based on rhymes, shapes, historical references, and pop culture elements. But there are some really curious ones. For example, the call for number 10 refers to the address where the British Prime Minister resides — 10 Downing Street — and depends on who holds the office at the moment of the game. While number 85 (Staying Alive) is just a rhyme that specifically refers to the well-known Bee Gees song, number 17 (Dancing Queen) goes a step further and plays homage to the ABBA song's lyrics.
How to Become a Great Bingo Caller
In an ongoing game, bingo callers will call out each and every number drawn until a winner is determined. In the event that a line, two lines, or house is won by one or more players, the caller will announce the winners and their respective share of the winnings.
Tips for Mastering Bingo Calls as a Caller
- First and foremost, speak clearly and with confidence — it is crucial.
- Don’t be shy to joke with your audience, they will appreciate it.
- Don’t forget to breathe; stick to your own rhythm in your speed of calling.
- Change the tone of your voice as you proceed; otherwise, you will sound dull.
- Always have a glass of water next to you since your throat will become dry really quickly.
- Have fun during gameplay!
Engaging the Audience and Keeping the Energy High
The significance of the bingo caller is clear to anyone who has ever entered a bingo hall. A caller is basically an MC of the game. However, a caller's responsibilities extend far beyond selecting and announcing the balls. Every bingo call needs to have a certain set of skills.
The Importance of Rhythm and Clarity in Making Bingo Calls
Even though the numbers are easy to understand, a caller who speaks in a monotonous or flat tone can make the game seem dull. To help players establish a rhythm, the calling speed should be consistent.
Conclusion
Bingo calls add to the game unique charm and ability to bring people together. Thus, pay attention to the calls the next time you settle in for a game. These aren't just some random words; they serve as a connection to a centuries-old heritage that has been infused with modern humor.
FAQ
What is the most popular bingo call?
There is no such thing as a popular bingo call. These phrases relate to the numbers and have a relatively similar chance of being called out.
Are bingo calls the same in all games?
Mostly, they are, but some regions add elements of their culture and language to the calls for better localization.
How do bingo calls differ in online versus traditional bingo?
The calls mostly differ from area to another rather than from online casino versions to traditional bingo.