This is what the bizarre phrases behind bingo numbers REALLY mean (2024)

BINGO is a British past-time that dates back to the 16th Century.

Over time, the jargon used to call out the numbers has evolved - so do YOU know what the phrases really mean?

12

Anita Mangan's new book lifts the lid on bingo lingo.

From nods to war-time tradition to historic references, we take look at the origin behind 10 of the numbers...

9 - Doctor's orders

12

It's believed that this phrase has been derived from military language.

Reportedly, 9pm was the latest army and naval officers could make medical appointments.

Other research reveals that the digit was slang for a laxative pill that was prescribed to troops.

16 - Never been kissed

12

This bingo call pays tribute to a song sang by the Blue Mountaineers back in 1932.

The tune is called Sweet Sixteen And Never Been Kissed and tells the story of two teen lovers.

28 - The Old Braggs

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The Old Braggs was a nickname given to the 28th North Gloucestershire Regiment of Foot, a military troop that dates back to 1694.

These soldiers distinguished themselves at the Battle of Alexandria, Waterloo and the Crimean War.

44 - Droopy drawers

To find the correlation between this bingo call and 44, you have to look at the digits.

Apparently, the two numbers resemble a pair of trousers that have slipped halfway down someone's legs.

53 - Here comes Herbie (beep beep!)

12

Herbie The Love Bug is a car that's featured in several Disney films since the 1960s.

The anthropomorphic vehicle has the racing number 53 emblazoned on its bonnet.

56 - Was she worth it?

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In the 1950s, it cost five shillings and a sixpence to get married.

The cheeky bingo call asks whether it was worth paying this amount of money for your wife.

57 - Heinz varieties

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Ketchup lovers may have noticed the number 57 on the bottle of their Heinz condiments.

The digits are used to describe the amount of different products the sauce manufacturer produces.

59 - Brighton line

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Day trips to the beach are another popular British past-time.

The route Londoners take to Brighton and the South Coast is the route 59, which gives its name to this bingo call.

77 - Sunset strip

77 Sunset Strip was an American TV private detective series that aired from 1958 to 1964.

It starred popular actors Roger Moore, William Shatner and Fay Wray.

The show was such a success in Britain that the reference infiltrated the bingo callers' lingo.

83 - Ethel's ear

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Just like the bingo call 44, you have to look at the digits on 83 to get this random reference.

As 8 represents a fat lady, who has been dubbed Ethel, the 3 is meant to resemble her ear.

Eyes Down, Look In, Bingo: The Illustrated Guide To Bingo Lingo will be published on September 21 by Quadrille and is priced at £9.99.

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Are you bingo mad?

Here's how to play Sun Bingo's 88 fortunes... and the incredible prize fund you could win.

And here's the lowdown on how long it takes online winnings to reach your bank account.

This is what the bizarre phrases behind bingo numbers REALLY mean (2024)

FAQs

What are the sayings for the bingo numbers? ›

Meaning of Bingo Lingo Numbers
  • 1 – Kelly's eye. Could this be a reference to Ned Kelly? ...
  • 2 – One little duck. A visual reference – the number 2 looks like a duck, right?
  • 3 – Cup of tea. A nice British rhyme.
  • 4 – Knock at the door. ...
  • 5 – Man alive. ...
  • 6 – Tom Mix/Half a dozen. ...
  • 7 – Lucky seven. ...
  • 8 – Garden gate/One fat lady.

What does Clickety Click 66 mean? ›

A reference to the former male British age of mandatory retirement. Old age pension. 66. Clickety click. Rhymes with "sixty-six".

What does 69 mean in bingo? ›

66 – Clickety click. 67 – Stairway to heaven. 68 – Saving Grace. 69 – Favourite of mine.

What is the 55 saying in bingo? ›

The number two looks like a duck, providing the nickname “one little duck” as an alternative call. The number five appears to be a snake, so the number 55 is “snakes alive” because the figure combines the shape with the rhyme. Anything with the number eight can refer to a fat lady.

What is Buzzwords bingo? ›

What Is Buzzword Bingo? Buzzword bingo is a game in which audience members for a speech at a business or professional conference hold cards listing numerous examples of business jargon, and check off the appropriate phrase when the speaker utters it.

What is the luckiest number in bingo? ›

According to a study published by Play OJO, one of the UK's bingo operators, they found that the number six is the most called number. The next one is followed by four. This applies to any match, including online bingo games. These numbers are often called for a game of chance despite the game relying on luck.

What is the meaning of Clickety Clickety? ›

noun. a rhythmic, swiftly paced succession of alternating clicks and clacks, as the sound produced by the wheels of a train moving over tracks.

How do you call bingo numbers funny? ›

Funny bingo calls

Two Little Fleas (33): A humorous twist to "two little ducks" for 22, with no real rationale — just good fun! Dancing Queen (17): For ABBA fans, this number 17 call refers to their popular song "Dancing Queen." Garden Gate (8): A playful call, as it rhymes with the number.

What is clickety click in bingo? ›

66 – Clickety click. 22 – Two little ducks. 67 – Stairway to heaven. 23 – Thee and me. 68 – Saving Grace.

What is 88 in bingo lingo? ›

Two Fat Ladies

What is 44 in bingo? ›

34 Ask for More Rhymes with "(Thirty) Four" 35 Jump and Jive A dance step 36 Three dozen 3 x 12 = 36. Refer to 12 above 39 Steps From the 39 Steps, a 1915 book by John Buchan 44 Droopy drawers Rhyme that refers to sagging trousers. 45 Halfway there Being halfway towards 90 48 Four Dozen 4 x 12 = 48. Refer to 12 above.

What do you shout when you win bingo? ›

When all the numbers required to win a prize have been marked off, the player shouts in order to attract the caller's attention. There are no formal rules as to what can be shouted, but most players will shout "yes" or "bingo".

What is 66 in bingo lingo? ›

Number 66 - Clickety click. Number 67 - Made in heaven. Number 68 - Saving grace. Number 69 - Your place or mine | The same both ways | Meal for two | Either way up.

What is the meaning of legs eleven in bingo? ›

legs eleven (uncountable) (bingo) A traditional call for the number eleven usually during the game Bingo.

Why is number 1 Kelly's eye? ›

1. Kelly's Eye - Like many slang expressions, the origins of this bingo call is a little uncertain. Some say Kelly's Eye is a reference to the Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, who some believed only had one eye.

What number is Clickety click? ›

Number 66 – Clickety Click: This one's a funny bingo call for the punnists and linguists among you. The number '66' sounds kind of like two clicks when you say it out loud…

What is the meaning of Clackety? ›

A clacking sound suggesting mechanical motion, as of a railway train.

What is the bingo call for 64? ›

Bingo lingo is a vital element in creating a successful, fun event that your players will love and want to come back to. From Two Fat Ladies to Legs Eleven, everyone knows the classics, but did you know that 64 is Red Raw and 56 is Was She Worth It?

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