Bingo in the UK is packed with its own special words and phrases, going far beyond just calling out numbers. Whether you're playing online, or at your local hall, you'll often hear quirky sayings that may help players feel more part of the group.
Ever found yourself wondering what “two little ducks” or “legs eleven” mean, or why certain jingles fill the air during a game? This guide pulls back the curtain, giving you examples and meaning behind some of the classic and newer terms used in UK bingo.
So, if you’re curious to learn more, read on for an easy overview of the language of bingo. Just remember, bingo is all about chance, with every outcome being random—there are no guarantees.
Why Bingo Calls Still Get Us Laughing
Bingo calls have been a colourful part of British entertainment since the 1960s, bringing laughter and charm to bingo halls across the country. These cheeky rhymes and playful phrases are more than just number calls—they help add a touch of humour and a fun break from the usual game.
Calls like ‘clickety-click’ for 66 or ‘cup of tea’ for 3 add a splash of British wit, often mixing clever wordplay with cultural nods. They can not only bring a smile to players’ faces, but may also help players feel more at ease and part of the fun.
It’s the wait for your number and those familiar shouts that keep many players coming back. Laughter often breaks out when old favourites are called, creating a light-hearted atmosphere whether you're playing in person or online.
Even as more people now play from home, these calls help keep the spirit alive. If you know loads of them, or only a few, the banter at bingo tables can be an experience in itself. Let’s see where many of these phrases started and why they stick around.
Classic Rude Bingo Calls and Their Stories
The language of UK bingo comes from street banter, rhyming jokes and the sort of playful chat found in local pubs. While a few calls have a cheeky side, most are more likely to spark a giggle than cause offence.
Two Little Ducks (22)
This playful call is one of the best-known in UK bingo and comes from the visual similarity between the number 22 and the shape of two ducks sitting side by side. The phrase likely began as part of the rhyming slang tradition used to try and make number calling more fun and memorable. Over time, players and callers embraced the image of “two little ducks”, and it’s now a familiar favourite that often gets a cheerful quack or a giggle in bingo halls across the country.
Legs Eleven (11)
One of the most iconic and instantly recognisable bingo calls, “Legs Eleven” has been a favourite in UK bingo halls since at least the mid-20th century. The nickname comes from the shape of the two number ones, which resemble a pair of standing legs. It’s known for often drawing a cheeky response from the crowd, and in traditional halls, callers might even give a playful leg wiggle as they say it. Its mix of visual humour and light innuendo has helped it remain a standout call for generations.
Kelly’s Eye (1)
“Kelly’s Eye” is one of the oldest and most traditional bingo calls, used for the number 1. It’s believed to come from Cockney rhyming slang and is thought to refer to Ned Kelly, the infamous Australian outlaw. Kelly was known for wearing a homemade metal helmet with a narrow slit—resembling a single eye—which may have inspired the phrase. Over time, “Kelly’s Eye” became part of British slang and eventually made its way into bingo calling, where it remains a staple.
Clickety-Click (66)
With its repeated “ck” sound, this call has been popular since the mid-20th century and is still enjoyed for how it rolls off the tongue.
Man Alive (5)
“Man Alive” is a lively call that dates back to mid-20th century Britain, when the phrase was commonly used to express surprise or excitement—much like saying “Wow!” today. Its upbeat feel and catchy rhyme made it a natural fit for bingo, helping to keep the game fun and entertaining.
Doctor’s Orders (9)
This call goes back to World War II, when a laxative pill known as “Number 9” was regularly prescribed by army doctors. Soldiers jokingly referred to it as “Doctor’s Orders”, and the nickname stuck. It later made its way into bingo halls, where it’s still called out today with a knowing chuckle.
Modern Takes on Bingo Sayings
While many old favourites remain, there’s always room for a fresh spin. Callers today often update bingo phrases to match current trends, giving players something new to talk about at the tables.
Calls That Are Still Going Strong
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“Kelly’s Eye” (1), “Two Little Ducks” (22), “Legs Eleven” (11), “Clickety-Click” (66), “Man Alive” (5) and “Doctor’s Orders” (9) all remain as popular as ever, using the same meanings as covered earlier.
Newer Spins
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17 – Dancing Queen - Inspired by the classic ABBA hit, this modern call adds a musical touch.
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39 – Steps - A nod to the British pop group Steps, adding a musical twist to the traditional call.
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52 – Danny La Rue - Named after the well-known drag performer and entertainer, this call adds a touch of showbiz flair.
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31 – Get Up and Run - A modern rhyme used in some online games, giving a lively spin to the number.
These tweaks are often shaped by online play, social media, and whatever happens to be in the headlines. Mixing old with new helps keep each session lively. But with all these changes, the random nature of bingo remains.
Our Favourite Rhyming Calls
Bingo is famous for its snappy rhymes and catchphrases. These memorable calls can help players keep up and stay entertained through the games.
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3: Cup of Tea
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10: Boris’s Den
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12: One Dozen
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23: Thee and Me
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26: Pick and Mix
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32: Buckle My Shoe
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34: Ask for More
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39: Steps
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59: Brighton Line
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83: Time for Tea
Many come straight from nursery rhymes, well-known sayings or even popular TV shows. If you are new, these phrases are usually easy to pick up and recognise during play. You might also spot many of them turning up at themed events—read on to learn how special occasions can bring even more bingo slang to the table.
Festive Christmas Bingo Calls You’ll Love
When holidays roll around, bingo calls get a seasonal update. Christmas is the main event for new sayings, but you’ll also notice special references at Halloween, Easter and Bonfire Night, too.
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6: Christmas Sticks (after candy canes or festive drink stirrers)
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12: Partridge in a Pear Tree (from the carol)
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13: Unlucky for Some, Spooky for Others (fits Halloween)
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18: Mistletoe Scene (a nod to Christmas mistletoe)
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19: Stocking Time (when stockings get hung up)
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20: Frosty Plenty (white Christmases or chilly scenes)
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25: Christmas Day (straightforward—25 December)
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26: Boxing Day (the UK’s day after Christmas)
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27: Twixmas (the strange in-between)
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31: Hogmanay’s Eve (the night before Scottish New Year)
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36: Fireworks Mix (Bonfire Night fun)
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40: Pumpkin Pie (great for Halloween)
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45: Guy’s Alive (for Guy Fawkes Night)
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50: Half a Century, Golden Turkey (a Christmas meal classic)
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65: Big Easter Egg (when Easter bingo comes out)
Seasonal calls help to create a warm, welcoming mood, tying the game into celebrations.
Regional Variations in Bingo Slang
Not every country uses the same lively bingo banter you’ll hear in the UK. Around the world, different places bring their own touches, shaping the game into something local.
In Canada and the USA, the format focuses on letters and numbers, like “B-12” or “G-48”. There’s not much wordplay—just the facts, keeping it simple.
Australia keeps part of the British style, with some calls such as “Two Dozen” for 24 or “Knock at the Door” for 4, though their “Housie” games usually keep things simple and straightforward.
Across Spain and South America, numbers are simply called by name, like “Veintitrés” for 23. While a few regional traditions or superstitions may come through, rhyming slang rarely features.
All of this means bingo can feel familiar or completely new, depending on where you play. If you are joining a game outside the UK, remember what we covered earlier—bingo is always a random game of chance, so check the local rules and get ready to learn some new calls.
Enjoy discovering the world of bingo slang—whether traditional or modern, it’s part of what makes the game a real British favourite.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.