The reasons behind bingo calls

Bingo is a game that has been part of the fabric of modern society since the 1930s, and from the outset, it’s always been a game that encourages a sense of community. Even now, with most people playing bingo online rather than down at the local bingo hall, there is still that friendly feel to the game thanks to the presence of bingo chat rooms on every site.

Bingo calls have long been a part of the bingo hall tradition and some bingo sites have continued that tradition. For new players to the game, though, why certain numbers are attributed certain calls can pose a bit of a mystery. So, if you’re new to bingo, check out the popular calls below and you’ll see where they’ve come from.

22 – Two Little Ducks. This one doesn’t really have any hidden meaning – except the numbers resemble the shape of two little ducks! In bingo halls, this call was always met with a ‘quack, quack’ by the players.

52 – Danny La Rue. Many of the bingo calls are linked to rhyming slang and this one is in reference to one of Britain’s well-known drag queens. It’s sometimes also referred to as ‘chicken vindaloo’.

80 – Gandi’s Breakfast. This call is a little bit more obscure – until you think about the great man who was known as much for his fasting as anything else. Picture him sitting cross-legged from above with an empty plate in front of him. Turn it sideways and you’ll see the number 80!

11 – Legs Eleven. This is a visual call as well. The numbers look like a pair of legs and when this call is made in bingo halls, wolf whistles are made in response.

71 – J-Lo’s Bum. Not all calls’ origins are lost in the mist of time. Many are updated to fit with who or what is in vogue at the moment, so number 71 is linked to the famous singer’s behind as it rhymes with bum!

Although when you’re playing online bingo, you don’t need the calls as the numbers on your cards are marked automatically, it’s still interesting to know where the traditional bingo calls have come from.