Bingo Calls – The Complete List of Funny Bingo Nicknames

Learn about the different phrases that have been used to replace the numbers on bingo balls

Bingo calls are the main part of any bingo game. No matter what version of the game players has chosen to play, the numbers will be called by the caller. There are some locations where callers use different terminology, so it is important for any players to become familiar with bingo lingo so they have a complete understanding of the game when they play.

The bingo calls that are used will often be determined by location as many different countries will have different terms that are used when playing the game. Not all bingo calls will be a local variation, which is why it is essential for players to know different terms so that they can enjoy playing the game. Bingo calls are not often used online, though there may be a few sites that make use of the phrases to provide a more entertaining game.

History of Bingo Calls

Most of the bingo calls that are used today originated in the United Kingdom and UK players will be very familiar with these. However, calls have been adopted all over the world and are part of the game in many locations. Many countries will use similar calls and game callers have embraced these terms. Bingo calls replace the standard number calling, so instead of announcing the number that has been drawn, the caller will use a phrase or a word to stand for that number.

Bingo calls first started to be used in live bingo halls because of the noise level and the constant talking between players. The phrases were designed to grab the attention of players. Bingo calls are still used inland locations but are seldom used online where players are often playing in a quiet environment at home.

These calls were first used back in the 1950s and over the years, new bingo calls have emerged. In 2003, some newer calls were introduced to the gem to provide new interest, such as Gareth Gates for the number 8 and J Lo’s Bum for the number 71.

General Bingo Calls

There rephrases that have remained in place over the years and these general calls represent a set of numbers. The term on its own will refer to a single digit number in the game. Numbers that end in zero will be called as blind 20, 30, 40 and so on. When numbers have two of the same digits, callers will often say all threes for 33 or all fours for 44. All of the remaining numbers in the game will be announced as individual numbers, such as two and six for 26 or four and nine for 49.

Bingo Call Charts

To help players learn the different bingo calls, there are charts that can be accessed and memorised. These charts contain the names for all numbers in the game, from 1 to 90. Knowing these terms can make for a more enjoyable bingo experience and the calls bring a little more fun to the game than when callers simply call out the numbers. Below, players can see the full list of bingo calls that are most commonly used and these can be heard in bingo rooms within the US and the UK as well as many other countries.