If you are a novice to the game of bingo and feel unsure of the terminology that is used when the numbers are drawn, then here is a comprehensive list of the numbers and the expressions associated with them! From the obvious bingo calls like legs eleven to the more obscure, update yourself and keep your fingers on the bingo pulse!
Meanings behind some of the more obscure bingo phrases. Many terms used in bingo are simply based upon rhyming slang while others are based on the shape of the numbers.
Here are some number explanations for some of the numbers in Bingo:
9. Doctor's Orders:: |
A relic from the Army days. A pill known as Number 9 was a laxative given out by army doctors.
|
10. Tony's Den:: |
This piece of bingo terminology changes depending on who the British Prime Minister is at the time. Number 10 Downing Street is the traditional residence of The British PM, and in the UK it is simply referred to as "Number 10". At the moment the PM is Tony Blair, so therefore it is "Tony's Den".
|
17. Dancing Queen:: |
From The ABBA Song, Dancing Queen. "You are the Dancing Queen, young and sweet, only seventeen..."
|
23 The Lord Is My shepherd:: |
Refers to Psalm 23 in The Bible.
|
26. Bed and Breakfast:: |
The traditional price of Bed and Breakfast accommodation in the UK was 2 shillings and 6 pence which was always shortened to "2 and 6".
|
30. Speed Limit:: |
The average speed limit in residential areas of the UK.
|
33. Sherwood Forest: |
Home of Robin Hood. 33 all the threes or all the 'trees'.
|
39. Those Famous Steps:: |
From the classic espionage book / film "The 39 Steps".
|
49. PC:: |
PC refers to Police Constable. PC 49 was a well known cop show in ye olden days of British radio in the 40s and 50s.
|
50. Bulls Eye: |
This piece of bingo slang comes from the game of darts. The centre of this board is typically a small, circular dot called the "Bull's Eye" which, if hit, is worth 50 points. Hence 50 = Bulls Eye.
|
52. Danny La Rue:: |
Famous British drag artist.
|
57. Heinz Varieties:: |
Heinz 57 is a popular variety of canned baked beans in the UK
|
64. The Beatles Number:: |
"When I get older losing my hair, many years from now..." based on the song "When I'm 64" by The Beatles.
|
65. Old age Pension:: |
Traditional British minimum age for claiming a state pension.
|
72. Par for the course: |
Based on golfing terminology.
|
76. Trombones: |
Refers to the brass section musical piece "76 Trombones" typically heard at just about every single parade you'll come across. |
77. Sunset Strip: |
Cult American TV show. |
