Historical References in UK Bingo CallsThe bulk of the historical references in bingo terms come from the 1950s and ’60s. Two Fat LadiesThis is another image-based number, where the curves of the eights look like two large ladies sitting next to each other. Straight on ThroughThe number eight also provides a reference to curvy women, which means 82 is alternatively nicknamed “fat lady with a duck,” playing off the imagery with the number two.
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People imagined that the appearance of the number is what Indian independence movement leader Mahatma Gandhi would look like if he sat cross-legged with a plate in front of him. Eight and BlankWhile the number eight and a blank (or zero) is easier to understand, this call used to be known as “Gandhi’s breakfast”.
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Some bingo callers might use the term “double sevens,” “lucky sevens,” or “two little crutches” for a visual nickname. Double Hockey SticksIf the number seven is lucky, then the number 77 has double the luck. Six DozenIf the number 27 is “a duck and a crutch,” then your bingo caller might call “72 a crutch and a duck.” 77. Either Way UpAlso known as “the same both ways,” each numeral of 69 can be flipped upside down and look exactly the same as its opposite. Droopy DrawersAlong with number 11, a droopy drawers visualisation always elicits a few giggles from the crowd of bingo players in the hall. Duck and DIVEThis one is easy to remember: While the duck in the number two is cute, you want to dive out of the way of the snake in the number five. Some circles have dubbed this number “Bishop Desmond,” in honour of South African social rights activist Desmond Tutu. Two Little DucksThe ducks return for number 22, and the numeral is often called “quack quack” as slang. Some patrons have been kicked out from bingo halls if they utter a wolf whistle. Historically, patrons would shout a wolf whistle when this number was heard, but some bingo halls view the practice as sexist. Legs 11This number is easy to remember because the two ones look like a pair of legs. Finally, the number seven looks like a crutch, so when the number 27 isn’t called as “gateway to heaven,” it’s “duck with a crutch” to pair the two look-alikes together.īelow are a few more numbers that use appearance to derive a nickname. The number five appears to be a snake, so the number 55 is “snakes alive” because the figure combines the shape with the rhyme.Īnything with the number eight can refer to a fat lady. The number two looks like a duck, providing the nickname “one little duck” as an alternative call. Calls Based on The Bingo Numbers ShapeIf you’re not sure of the rhyme, some numbers make it possible to remember the nickname through their shapes. Turn the ScrewSome Brits say “tickety boo,” English slang for “good” or “in order. Danny La RueSome audiences prefer the nickname “weeks in a year,” but Danny La Rue is a more modern pop culture reference, based on the Irish singer known for his cross-dressing. Tweak of the ThumbDepending on the region and bingo caller, this nickname might be replaced with “I love my mum.” 52. Pick and MixThe number 26 is also called “bed-and-breakfast” because of the traditional cost, two shillings and sixpence - otherwise known as “half a crown.” 51. Dancing QueenBased off the 1976 hit by Abba, this number gets its name from the opening lines of the song “Dancing Queen”: “You are the Dancing Queen, young and sweet, only 17.” 26.
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Young and KeenFor a different rhyme, you can use the nickname “rugby team,” for the number of players involved in the sport. rhymes, the “garden gate” is possibly a reference to a meeting place or drop-off point for smugglers and gang members. Garden GateBased on the hidden message origins of U.K. Below are a few of the most interesting ones, many of which have regional alternatives depending on the caller’s personal preference. In fact, as bingo nicknames change locally, one of the main causes is tweaking the rhymes and making them region specific.Ī few rhyming bingo numbers stick about because they have interesting cultural or visual references that lead to the nickname. If you can’t remember a particular number of a nickname, you can create your own by forming a rhyme. Play Now Bingo Calls Based on RymesOf the 90 total bingo calls in the UK, more than 50 take their names from rhymes with their numbers.