Your guide to understanding bingo calls
Bingo calls are the cheeky, rhyming nicknames shouted out by the caller to represent each number during a game of bingo, and they’re as much a part of British culture as tea and biscuits! Instead of simply saying “22”, for example, you might hear “Two little ducks”, followed by the crowd quacking in response, or “Number 10 Downing Street” for a dash of political flair. These playful phrases were originally invented to make games livelier and to help players catch numbers more easily in noisy bingo rooms.
Over the years, they’ve become legendary, with classic lines like “Legs eleven”, “Kelly’s eye”, and “Two fat ladies, 88” still sparking smiles across bingo halls everywhere. In short, bingo calls are the witty, sing-song soundtrack to the game, blending humour, nostalgia, and a touch of British mischief that makes every round feel like a party rather than just a numbers game.
What makes a good bingo caller?
A good bingo caller is the heart and soul of every game. The person who transforms a simple sequence of numbers into an unforgettable experience. The best callers have a strong, clear voice that carries across a crowded room, or through a livestream, with confidence and rhythm, ensuring everyone catches the numbers without confusion. But it’s not just about speaking clearly - personality is everything.
A top-notch caller has a natural sense of humour, quick wit, and the ability to engage players with cheeky banter, laughter, and perfectly timed one-liners. They’re part entertainer, part game master, and part crowd psychologist, reading the room, keeping the energy high, and knowing exactly when to add drama or dial up the fun. Professionalism and attention to detail are key too, as accuracy is crucial in every call. Most importantly, a great bingo caller makes everyone feel included, from seasoned players to first-timers, creating a friendly, buzzing atmosphere where every number feels like part of the show.
Number rhyming and what they mean
The use of rhyming number slang in bingo calling isn’t just for laughs; it’s a vital part of what makes bingo so entertaining and memorable. The rhymes help players quickly identify and remember numbers, especially in noisy halls where a plain “44” might easily be missed. They also add rhythm, humour, and personality to each game, transforming the experience from simple number draws into a lively social event filled with laughter and camaraderie. These phrases connect generations of players and give bingo its unmistakable charm, with a mix of wordplay, wit, and tradition that keeps the atmosphere fun, engaging, and unmistakably British.
Let's look at the rhymes used in these numbers and why they have been chosen:
Classic bingo calls and their rhymes
Number 1 - Kelly’s Eye - Named after “Kelly”, a military slang term for number one, symbolising a single eye, like a gun sight.
Number 2 - One Little Duck - The number “2” resembles a duck’s shape, so players respond with a cheerful “quack quack”!
Number 3 - Cup of Tea - Rhymes perfectly and represents a comforting British pastime.
Number 4 - Knock at the Door - Rhymes neatly and conjures the image of someone knocking.
Number 5 - Man Alive - A lively rhyme to energise players early on.
Number 6 - Half a Dozen - Common English phrase for six of anything.
Number 7 - Lucky Seven - Universally recognised as a lucky number.
Number 8 - Garden Gate - Rhymes naturally; evokes a quaint English image.
Number 9 - Doctor’s Orders - WWII soldiers called laxative pills “Number Nine”.
Number 10 - (Boris’s) Den / Downing Street - Rhymes with the word ‘ten’. No.10 Downing Street.
Number 11 - Legs Eleven - The two ones look like a pair of legs, often followed by whistles!
Number 12 - One Dozen - Literal, a dozen equals twelve.
Number 13 - Unlucky for Some - Based on the superstition that 13 brings bad luck.
Number 14 - Valentine’s Day - February 14th is the day of love.
Number 15 - Young and Keen - Rhymes nicely and symbolises youthful enthusiasm.
Number 16 - Sweet Sixteen - Traditionally linked to coming of age.
Number 17 - Dancing Queen - Inspired by ABBA’s famous song “Dancing Queen”.
Number 18 - Coming of Age - 18 marks adulthood and independence.
Number 19 - Goodbye Teens - Farewell to the teenage years.
Number 20 - One Score - “Score” is an old counting term meaning 20.
Number 21 - Key of the Door - 21 is the traditional age of full adulthood.
Number 22 - Two Little Ducks - The 2s look like ducks on water “quack quack!”
Number 23 - Thee and Me - Rhymes and symbolises companionship.
Number 24 - Two Dozen - Two sets of twelve, literal call.
Number 25 - Duck and Dive - Rhymes playfully, suggesting motion.
Number 26 - Pick and Mix - References the sweet shop tradition, rhymes with 26.
Number 27 - Gateway to Heaven - Rhymes and adds a light, spiritual tone.
Number 28 - Overweight - A cheeky rhyme for 28.
Number 29 - Rise and Shine - Common phrase meaning “wake up and get going”.
Number 30 - Dirty Gertie - Comes from the wartime song “Dirty Gertie from Bizerte”.
Number 31 - Get Up and Run - Rhymes and keeps momentum in the game.
Number 32 - Buckle My Shoe - From the nursery rhyme “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe”.
Number 33 - Dirty Knee - Rhymes easily and adds a playful touch.
Number 34 - Ask for More - Encourages optimism, rhymes nicely.
Number 35 - Jump and Jive - Refers to the 1940s swing dance craze.
Number 36 - Three Dozen - Literal. 3x12.
Number 37 - More than Eleven - Simple rhyming filler to maintain rhythm.
Number 38 - Christmas Cake - Rhymes and evokes a festive image.
Number 39 - Steps - Refers to The 39 Steps, the classic novel and film.
Number 40 - Life Begins - From the phrase “Life begins at 40”.
Number 41 - Time for Fun - Rhymes neatly and adds a cheerful tone.
Number 42 - Winnie the Pooh - Rhymes and references the beloved bear.
Number 43 - Down on Your Knees - Cheeky rhyme, often met with laughter.
Number 44 - Droopy Drawers - Fun visual rhyme that amuses the crowd.
Number 45 - Halfway There - Marks the halfway point to 90.
Number 47 - Four and Seven - Straightforward rhyming filler.
Number 48 - Four Dozen – Literal. 4x12.
Number 49 - PC (Public Constable) - Refers to police slang; “PC 49” was a radio character.
Number 50 - Half a Century – Represents 50 years, a milestone age.
Number 51 - Tweak of the Thumb - Rhymes; an old-fashioned playful phrase.
Number 52 - Danny La Rue - Named after the famous British entertainer.
Number 53 - Here Comes Herbie - Refers to the Herbie films, car number 53.
Number 54 - Clean the Floor - Rhymes and adds light humour.
Number 55 - Snakes Alive - Rhymes and evokes something slithery and lively.
Number 56 - Was She Worth It? - Refers to a marriage licence fee (7s 6d), classic British humour.
Number 57 - Heinz Varieties - From Heinz’s advertising slogan “57 Varieties”.
Number 58 - Make Them Wait - Rhymes and adds playful tension.
Number 59 - Brighton Line - Refers to the London–Brighton railway route.
Number 60 - Five Dozen - Literal. 5x12.
Number 61 - Baker’s Bun - Rhymes and adds a homely bakery feel.
Number 62 - Turn the Screw - Rhymes and carries a cheeky undertone.
Number 63 - Tickety-Boo - British phrase meaning “everything’s fine”.
Number 64 - Red Raw - Rhymes; often delivered cheekily by the caller.
Number 65 - Old Age Pension - 65 was once the standard retirement age.
Number 66 - Clickety Click - The sound of two sixes, the most famous bingo call.
Number 67 - Made in Heaven - Rhymes and adds a romantic touch.
Number 68 - Saving Grace - Rhymes and carries a hopeful meaning.
Number 69 - Anyway Up - A cheeky double entendre, always gets a laugh.
Number 70 - Three Score and Ten - From the Bible, life expectancy of “three score years and ten.”
Number 71 - Bang on the Drum - Rhymes and keeps rhythm in calling.
Number 72 - Six Dozen - Literal. 6x12.
Number 73 - Queen Bee - Rhymes and symbolises being top or in charge.
Number 74 - Candy Store - Rhymes; nostalgic for old-fashioned sweet shops.
Number 75 - Strive and Strive - Motivational rhyme encouraging persistence.
Number 76 - Trombones - Refers to “76 Trombones” from The Music Man.
Number 77 - Sunset Strip - Based on the 1960s TV show 77 Sunset Strip.
Number 78 - Heaven’s Gate - Rhymes and has a spiritual tone.
Number 79 - One More Time - Rhymes; encourages players to keep going.
Number 80 - Gandhi’s Breakfast - “Eight nothing” a joke about Gandhi’s simple lifestyle.
Number 81 - Stop and Run - Rhymes; keeps pace quick.
Number 82 – Straight on Through - Rhymes; keeps a nice quick pace and evokes energy.
Number 83 - Time for Tea - Rhymes and celebrates a British tradition.
Number 84 - Seven Dozen - Literal. 7x12.
Number 85 - Staying Alive - Inspired by the Bee Gees hit, often sung aloud.
Number 86 - Between the Sticks - Football slang for a goalkeeper.
Number 87 - Torquay in Devon - Rhymes and nods to the seaside town.
Number 88 - Two Fat Ladies - The shape of the eights looks like two round ladies, iconic!
Number 89 - Nearly There - Just one away from 90, heightens anticipation.
Number 90 - Top of the Shop - The highest number on the board, the grand finale!
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Bingo calls are often the highlight of a good bingo game. If you want to know more about bingo, why not check out our guides on how to play bingo online and how to host a bingo night?
