Ever wondered why Bingo callers shout out quirky phrases like “Two Little Ducks” or “Legs Eleven”? These Bingo calls are a time-honoured tradition that adds character to the game. They’re not just random jokes—they help keep everyone on the same page when the numbers are called.
So, whether you’re playing Bingo at a land-based venue, online or want to try the newest play slingo online, this article is designed to keep you in the loop.
A brief history of Bingo calls
Bingo calls have been around almost as long as the game itself. In the early days, lively number calls were invented to bring some flair—and a bit of humour—to the gameplay. Using rhymes and catchy phrases helped players pick up numbers quickly, especially in a crowded Bingo hall.
The tradition kicked off in the UK during the early 20th century, as Bingo halls became more popular. Each number got its own nickname. For example, “Kelly’s Eye” stands for number one, and “Two Fat Ladies” represents 88. These calls quickly became part of the game’s culture, reflecting the unique sense of humour in Bingo halls everywhere.
It’s important to point out that these phrases are all about entertainment—they have no influence on the results. Bingo is a game of pure chance – every number is drawn at random, and no nickname can change the outcome.
Classic Bingo calls explained
Let’s break down some of the most famous Bingo calls, and why they’ve stuck around:
1. Two Little Ducks (22): Take 22—it actually looks like two little ducks swimming side by side.
2. Legs Eleven (11): The number 11 looks a bit like a pair of legs in a row.
3. Kelly’s Eye (1): This call might have military roots, and some say it refers to the notorious Australian outlaw Ned Kelly.
4. Two Fat Ladies (88): Well, 88 does look like two curvy figures sitting next to each other.
5. Clickety Click (66): The repeating ‘six’ sound inspired this rhyming call.
6. Top of the Shop (90): In a traditional game, 90 is the highest number you can get, so it sits at the ‘top of the shop’.
Modern twists to classic calls
Bingo, like everything else, has evolved with the times. While many classic calls are still used, some Bingo halls use new phrases inspired by pop culture or local in-jokes. This keeps the game fresh, while still honouring tradition.
Despite these changes, Bingo always boils down to chance. The outcome is still completely random whether the caller uses an old favourite or a new twist.
Bingo is a classic game of chance, and has inspired many variations now also available on online platforms.
For many, the calls are more than just numbers—they’re full of history and wit. From “Two Little Ducks” to “Legs Eleven”, these nicknames are part of what makes Bingo so well known.
Above all, remember: the only thing that determines a win is pure chance, with online gameplay relying on Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure unpredictability – not the catchiest call.
