Bingo Calling Numbers, Funny Bingo Calls & Bingo Sayings | Buzz Bingo

Bingo is one of the most iconic games to play in the UK. It's also one of the simplest to play; it doesn’t use cards, dice, or reels and rows seen in online slots to determine payouts. However, one more unique aspect of bingo appears in its iconic calls. 

Bingo calls are what bring the game to life, with each number paired with a classic call. Standard calls are often just clever sayings that somewhat resemble the shapes and/or meaning of the numbers. As for funny bingo calls, these are often a bit more ‘tongue in cheek’, and they frequently generate a laugh from the crowd!

So, if bingo sayings have often been a mystery to you, this guide aims to resolve all of that. 

Bingo Calling Numbers and Traditional Bingo Calls

If you explore a traditional game of online bingo, you’ll find that the numbers run from 1 to 90. Every single one of these numbers has its own rhyme, phrase, or nickname, announced by the person running the show (or by an online live dealer in the live bingo world). And this isn’t done purely to give bingo a unique angle.

If playing in busy bingo halls, these announcements help people to distinguish the numbers correctly and mark them off on their cards. Yet, with online bingo, you don’t need to worry about hearing the bingo calls as they come through, as everything is done for you. However, these calls do add some spice to each round you play.

As for common examples of the more traditional bingo calls, here’s what you may come across: 

13 - Unlucky for Some

Of course, the number 13 is regarded as unlucky in many cultures for a multitude of reasons. But when you hear ‘unlucky for some’ announced, you should know that this refers to 13.

22 - Two Little Ducks

This bingo call references the shape of the number 22 rather than any cultural significance. And if you look closely, you can somewhat see where they get the idea from!

40 - Life Begins

As they say, life begins after 40. You’ve probably heard someone say this at some point - maybe a middle-aged aunt or Uncle!

66 - Clickety Click

This is a classic rhyming bingo call that almost everyone knows. It’s clean, catchy, and brilliantly satisfying to say.

88 - Two Fat Ladies

Probably one of the more ‘potentially offensive’ bingo calls is two fat ladies. Once again, this references the shape of the number - for obvious reasons.

Funny Bingo Calls, Modern Bingo Calls and Bingo Sayings

Traditional bingo sayings have been around for over 100 years, but the world doesn't stand still, and neither does bingo lingo. On that note, older calls have been revolutionised into modern bingo calls to keep things fresh and reflect the times.

According to official records, in 2003, it was Butlins holiday camps that brought in a new wave of updated calls - developed by a professor of popular culture. These included more contemporary references for the numbers, mainly to appeal to younger players instead of those you might find in traditional UK bingo halls.

On the subject of appealing to the younger generation, many of the numbers were transformed into funny bingo calls to create a humorous angle. Such alternatives add a bit of personality to the game while giving the announcer a chance to entertain the room.

As for what these modern and funny bingo number calls are, let us show them:

52 - Chicken Vindaloo

One of the Butlins-inspired modern bingo calls. It rhymes, it's random, and it works perfectly. Dare we say it is particularly British in terms of humour style?

57 - Heinz Varieties

A classic brand reference - ‘57 Varieties’ has been a Heinz slogan for well over a century. Somehow, it never gets old, and it’s clearly made its way into the bingo gaming rooms these days.

65 - Old Age Pension

Does this one really need explaining? Of course, 65 is the age most associated with retirement and ‘getting your pension’ in the UK. This bingo call is one that always gets a little chuckle - among young players and bingo veterans alike.

How Bingo Calling Works in Online Bingo Rooms

Bingo calling has moved well beyond the traditional bingo halls found around the UK. Today, millions of players enjoy online bingo games where the calling process can work in a few different ways.

In most standard online bingo games, the process of numbers being drawn and announcements being made occurs automatically. As you play, you see an on-screen display that shows each and every number as it comes up, closely followed by the audio of the corresponding bingo call.

However, if you flick across to live bingo rooms, the process works a little differently. In this format, you actually watch a live game of bingo, streamed in HD to your device. And since this is happening in real time, you really get an immersive feel.

At Buzz Bingo, you can enjoy both styles. Whether you prefer the automation of online bingo or the atmosphere of a live bingo room, you’ve always got options at your fingertips. That said, if you are struggling with where to begin, be sure to check out our best bingo rooms for beginners guide to help you get started.

FAQs About Bingo Calling Numbers and Bingo Sayings

Where Do Bingo Sayings Come From?

Most of the traditional bingo calls date back to the early 1900s. Some come from cockney rhyming slang, some from nursery rhymes, and others from pop culture - to name a few common origins.

Are Bingo Calls the Same Everywhere in the UK?

Many standard bingo calls are popular across the UK. However, the exact bingo number calls you hear will change based on regional variations and the styles of the room you are in.