Modern Bingo Calls & Hilarious Bingo Slang

Bingo has seen plenty of changes over the years, both in traditional halls and on digital platforms. One area that continues to evolve is the language used during play. Classic number calls are still familiar to many, but new phrases and updated slang have become part of the experience—often shaped by pop culture, humour, and the shift toward online gaming.

This blog post looks at how bingo calls have changed, highlighting modern variations, humorous sayings, and seasonal references that add personality to the game. These calls often help create a more relaxed and sociable environment, making it easier for players to follow along and engage with others.

Whether you’re hearing them at a local event or during an online session, recognising these updated bingo terms can make the game easier to follow. Read on to learn more.

How Bingo Calls Make the Game Fun

Bingo calls add a touch of character to the game by turning standard numbers into memorable phrases. These expressions often carry a bit of humour or familiarity, often making it easier for players to recognise their numbers and stay engaged.

Whether in a bingo hall or an online room, hearing these calls shared aloud helps create a sociable and relaxed atmosphere. Players often pick up new phrases over time, and in some cases, even contribute their own. As a result, no two games are exactly the same.

Many venues and online communities introduce their own twists on traditional calls, bringing variety and a personal feel to each session.

Modern Twists on Classic Bingo Calls

Over time, many traditional bingo calls have been updated to reflect modern culture. References to current events, public figures, song lyrics, and popular TV shows are now commonly worked into the phrases, helping the game feel more relevant and engaging for today’s players.

For example, where a classic call might have said “Number 10, Boris’s Den,” it could now be linked to a different public figure or a trending topic. These modern references make the numbers easier to recognise and can add a light-hearted moment to the game.

Online bingo platforms have also introduced new features, such as sound effects or animated visuals, which appear alongside the calls. These additions can help bring extra energy to the experience, especially for those playing from home.

Top Picks for Funny Bingo Calls

Some bingo calls are especially known for their playful tone or memorable phrasing. These light-hearted expressions often use rhyme, visual cues, or cultural references to help players quickly recognise the numbers—and enjoy a laugh along the way.

Many of these calls have become classics in their own right, while others vary slightly depending on the caller or venue. Here are a few well-known examples:

  • Legs Eleven (11)
  • Two Fat Ladies (88)
  • Cup of Tea (3)
  • Dirty Gertie (30)
  • Clickety Click (66)

Bingo callers often put their own spin on how these numbers are announced, adding humour or a personal touch to each round. For players who enjoy a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, these calls may bring extra charm to the game.

Rude and Cheeky Bingo Sayings

Some bingo calls add a cheeky twist through mild jokes, rhymes or playful puns—often inspired by the sound or shape of the number. While phrases like “Two Fat Ladies – 88” and “Dirty Gertie – Number Thirty” are well known, there are a few others that occasionally take the humour a little further for comic effect.

Here are a few examples that lean towards the cheekier end of the scale:

  • Doctor’s Orders (9)
  • Sunset Strip (77)
  • Key of the Door (21)

That said, not all players enjoy this kind of humour. Many bingo halls and online platforms choose to keep things family-friendly, especially if the game includes a wider mix of ages. In online settings, the language used often reflects the tone of the group and the preferences of the players.

Bingo Slang Everyone Should Know

Like many social games, bingo comes with its own set of phrases and shorthand that regular players often use. Picking up some of this common slang can make it easier to join in and feel part of the group—whether you’re playing in a bingo hall or online.

Here are a few terms you’re likely to come across:

  • Full House – When all the numbers on your ticket have been called.
  • Two Lines – Two complete lines marked off on a single ticket.
  • One to Go – A way of saying you only need one more number to win.
  • Dabber – The ink marker or pen used in bingo halls to mark your numbers.
  • Session – A group of games played one after another.
  • Caller – The person announcing the numbers during the game.

In online bingo, players often use simple chat phrases like “GG” (short for “good game”) to celebrate or congratulate others. This kind of casual, friendly interaction is part of what makes bingo so sociable, whether in person or on a screen.

Seasonal and Festive Bingo Lingo

During holidays and special occasions, bingo halls and online sites often use themed calls to help set the mood and bring players together. For example:

  • Christmas:
    • Five Gold Rings (5)
    • Santa’s Sleigh (25)
  • Halloween:
    • Witch’s Brew (13)
    • Spooky Two (2)
  • Spring:
    • Easter Egg (16)
    • April Showers (4)

Online bingo platforms sometimes add festive images or sound effects to complement these calls, which can make the experience even more engaging for some players.

If you’re interested in playing bingo, always do so with responsible gambling practices in mind and never spend more than you are willing to lose.

**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.