The History Behind Bingo Number Phrases

Ever wondered why someone shouts "two fat ladies" when 88 gets called, or what on earth "legs eleven" actually means? If you've been playing online bingo and found yourself scratching your head at some of the quirky bingo phrases that get thrown about, you're not alone. These colourful callouts have been part of bingo culture for decades, and they've got stories that'll make you chuckle.

Let's dive into the fascinating world of bingo terminology and uncover where these brilliant phrases actually came from!

Where did bingo phrases come from?

Bingo phrases, also known as bingo calls or caller's rhymes, emerged primarily in the UK during the mid-20th century. These weren't just random sayings plucked from thin air - they evolved from British culture, wartime slang, and everyday life.

The goal? To make the game more entertaining and help players hear the numbers clearly over the din of a busy bingo hall. Each bingo player could follow along during their bingo session, knowing exactly which number was called thanks to these memorable phrases.

Traditional bingo callers were masters of their craft, each adding their own flair and personality to the calls. Before digital caller systems took over, these quick-witted hosts would rattle off rhymes at lightning speed, keeping players engaged and the atmosphere exciting. Many of these classic bingo phrases have stood the test of time and remain in use today when playing bingo online.

The most famous bingo number phrases explained

Let's explore the list of bingo calls that have become part of British culture, from number 1 all the way to 90.

Numbers 1-20: Starting Strong

Number 1 - "Kelly's Eye": Named after the famous Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, who reportedly had only one eye visible through his homemade armour helmet. Some say it could also reference a military term, but the outlaw story is far more entertaining.

Number 2 - "One Little Duck": The number 2 looks like a duck floating on water. Simple, visual, and absolutely spot-on.

Number 4 - "Knock at the Door": This one rhymes, plain and simple. It's the kind of phrase that rolls off the tongue beautifully.

Number 5 - "Man Alive": A rhyming phrase that dates back to Victorian times as an expression of surprise or excitement.

Number 7 - "One Little Crutch": The number 7 resembles a crutch or walking stick - another visual reference that players could instantly recognise.

Number 11 - "Legs Eleven": Perhaps one of the cheekiest entries in the bingo glossary. The two ones standing side by side look like a pair of shapely legs. Callers often add a whistle or a cheeky comment to this one.

Number 13 - "Unlucky for Some": This superstitious phrase references the age-old belief that 13 brings misfortune. Not everyone agrees, mind you.

Number 16 - "Sweet Sixteen": A nod to the classic coming-of-age milestone that's been celebrated for generations.

Numbers 21-40: Getting Creative

Number 21 - "Royal Salute": A reference to the 21-gun salute given at royal or military ceremonies. Very British, very posh.

Number 22 - "Two Little Ducks": If one duck is number 2, then two ducks sitting side by side must be 22! The visual connection makes perfect sense, making it easy to spot on your bingo cards.

Number 25 - "Duck and Dive": Cockney rhyming slang at its finest. "Duck and dive" means to make a living by one's wits, to be resourceful.

Number 26 - "Half a Crown": This historical reference harks back to pre-decimal British currency, when half a crown (two shillings and sixpence) was worth 26 old pennies.

Number 30 - "Dirty Gertie": The origin here is a bit unclear, but it's believed to reference a wartime song about a cheeky character. It's certainly memorable.

Number 39 - "Steps": A simple rhyming phrase ("thirty-nine steps"), popularised by the John Buchan novel and subsequent films.

Numbers 41-60: Mid-Game Momentum

Number 44 - "Droopy Drawers": The two 4s side by side create a droopy, downward visual. It's one of those phrases that stuck around just because it sounds fun to say.

Number 45 - "Halfway There": In 90-ball bingo, 45 is exactly halfway to 90, making this phrase particularly appropriate.

Number 50 - "Half a Century": Cricket terminology that crossed over into bingo lingo. Scoring 50 runs in cricket is called a half-century.

Number 55 - "Snakes Alive": A rhyming phrase that also creates a visual image of two snakes side by side.

Number 57 - "Heinz Varieties": Named after the famous Heinz 57 sauce varieties slogan. This phrase shows how commercial culture seeped into bingo terminology.

Numbers 61-90: The Home Stretch

Number 66 - "Clickety Click": A rhyming phrase that also mimics the sound of bingo balls clicking together in the classic bingo cage.

Number 69 - "Either Way Up": A clever phrase referring to the fact that 69 looks the same whether you flip it upside down or not. Simple symmetry at its best.

Number 76 - "Trombones": Directly from the song "Seventy-Six Trombones" from the musical "The Music Man." Cultural references were fair game for bingo callers.

Number 77 - "Sunset Strip": This phrase references the famous Los Angeles boulevard and the 1950s-60s television detective series of the same name.

Number 88 - "Two Fat Ladies": Arguably the most famous bingo call of all. The two 8s sitting side by side supposedly resemble two curvy ladies sitting together. It's cheeky, visual, and utterly memorable.

Number 89 - "Nearly There": 89 is so close to the final number, making this phrase perfectly appropriate.

Number 90 - "Top of the Shop": The highest of all numbers of bingo in traditional 90-ball bingo games, hence reaching the "top" of all available numbers. When this gets called during a full house win, it's always a moment to celebrate.

Modern bingo: keeping tradition alive online

While traditional bingo halls may have become less common, the spirit of these bingo phrases lives on. When you're playing bingo online at Jackpotjoy, you'll still encounter many of these classic calls.

Some bingo games feature digital callers that use the traditional phrases, while others display the numbers with their corresponding nicknames on screen. You can even chat with fellow players in our chat room, sharing the excitement when "two fat ladies" or "legs eleven" gets called.

The beauty of online bingo is that you can experience the traditional game anytime, anywhere. Whether you're at home in your jim-jams or on your commute, you can dab away while the classic phrases pop up on your screen. And if you're keen to keep the bingo fun in your pocket, the Jackpotjoy Mobile Bingo App lets you play all your favourite games on the go.

Why these phrases still matter

You might wonder why we still bother with phrases like "legs eleven" or "two fat ladies" in the digital age. The answer is simple: they're part of bingo's charm and heritage. These quirky callouts connect modern players to the game's rich history and add personality to what could otherwise be just numbers on a screen.

The bingo terminology we use today is a living link to generations of players who came before us. Every time someone calls out "Kelly's eye" or "clickety click," they're keeping a tradition alive that goes back decades. Learning these bingo terms is like getting an insight into British culture itself.

Whether you're aiming for a line, four corners, or any other winning pattern, understanding the traditional calls and game patterns makes every round more enjoyable.

So, next time you're dabbing away and hear "two fat ladies" or "legs eleven," you'll know exactly why these phrases exist - and you can impress your fellow players with your newfound knowledge. Ready to put your bingo phrase knowledge to the test? Head over to Jackpotjoy's online bingo site and see how many classic callouts you can spot during your next game!

Ready to hear "legs eleven" and "two fat ladies" for yourself? Join Jackpotjoy today and experience the fun of online bingo with all the classic calls. Claim your welcome bonus and discover why thousands of players choose our online bingo games every day.

All offers mentioned correct at the time of writing but may be subject to change.