Bingo calls in the UK are steeped in tradition, combining rhymes, cultural references, and wordplay to make it easier to understand what number is being called, as numbers may sound similar when being called out at a fast pace.
With this in mind, we wanted to take a look at just a handful of Bingo numbers and their calls to better understand why the call is associated with its number, before you head to the online Bingo section of your chosen casino site.
Kelly’s eye (1)
This call is derived from British military slang, possibly referencing a monocle or the idea of looking out for trouble.
Knock at the door (4)
Reflects the familiar phrase ‘knock at the door’, tying the sound to the number.
Man alive (5)
It is a classic rhyme for the number 5, easy to remember and chant.
Garden gate (8)
Rhyming slang for the number 8. It’s also tied to traditional imagery of British garden gates in some circles.
Doctor’s Orders (9)
A reference to a laxative pill prescribed to British soldiers during World War II, colloquially known as number 9.
Legs eleven (11)
This is a visual reference to the number, which looks like a pair of legs. It’s also a typical call where some traditions add a wolf whistle.
Two little ducks (22)
The number resembles the shape of two ducks. Players often respond with a quack-quack sound.
Duck and dive (25)
A rhyming phrase that also draws on the imagery of evasion, often tied to cockney rhyming slang.
Pick and mix (26)
Likely referencing sweet shops where you pick and mix sweets, associated with the number for its catchy rhyme.
Duck and a crutch (27)
Combines a visual cue (duck for 2) and a crutch to evoke the look of 7.
Dirty Gertie (30)
Taken from a wartime song, Dirty Gertie from Bizerte, this call has endured as part of Bingo lore.
Buckle my shoe (32)
A simple rhyme based on traditional nursery rhymes.
Droopy drawers (44)
A cheeky rhyme about sagging clothing tied to the twin-digit 44.
Halfway there (45)
It’s symbolic of being halfway through the numbers in a 90-ball Bingo game.
Brighton line (59)
Refers to the number associated with the London to Brighton train route, a nod to British railways.
Clickety click (66)
A simple rhyme that emphasises the repeating digit pattern of the number 66.
Made in Heaven (67)
A playful rhyme connecting 67 with the phrase ‘made in heaven’.
One more time (79)
A common chant-like phrase paired with the number for its rhyme.
Stop and run (81)
Another rhyming phrase that ties the action of stopping and running to the number.
Straight on through (82)
A rhyme for the number suggests momentum and movement.
Staying alive (85)
Made famous by the Bee Gees’ hit song, it pairs rhythm and fun with the number.
Two fat ladies (88)
A light-hearted nod to the number’s appearance resembling two plump figures.
Top of the shop (90)
Refers to 90 as the highest number in traditional UK Bingo, marking the game’s upper limit.
These calls combine British humour, cultural history, and visual or rhyming cues to make each number memorable.
