List of British bingo nicknames
Updated: 5/20/2026, 8:09:46 PM Wikipedia source
In the game of bingo in the United Kingdom, callers announcing the numbers have traditionally used some nicknames to refer to particular numbers if they are drawn. The nicknames are sometimes known by the rhyming phrase 'bingo lingo', and there are rhymes for each number from 1 to 90, some of which date back to 1900. Some traditional games went up to 100. In some clubs, the 'bingo caller' will say the number, with the assembled players intoning the rhyme in a call and response manner, in others, the caller will say the rhyme and the players chant the number. One purpose of the nicknames is to allow called numbers to be clearly understood in a noisy environment. In 2003, Butlins holiday camps introduced some more modern calls devised by a professor of popular culture in an attempt to bring fresh interest to bingo.
Tables
· Calls
Kelly's eye
Kelly's eye
Number
1
Nickname
Kelly's eye
Explanation
The pun is military slang; possibly a reference to Ned Kelly, from Ned Kelly's helmet, the eye slot resembling the number 1.
One of the oldest bingo calls, first recorded in an article about troops bound for the Boer War in 1900. Military slang from the Navy term for the First Lieutenant known as "Jimmy the One"
One of the oldest bingo calls, first recorded in an article about troops bound for the Boer War in 1900. Military slang from the Navy term for the First Lieutenant known as "Jimmy the One"
Number
Little Jimmy
Nickname
One of the oldest bingo calls, first recorded in an article about troops bound for the Boer War in 1900. Military slang from the Navy term for the First Lieutenant known as "Jimmy the One"
Rare. Anecdotal ex a one-eyed Kelly.
Rare. Anecdotal ex a one-eyed Kelly.
Number
Kelly's wonk
Nickname
Rare. Anecdotal ex a one-eyed Kelly.
Cockney Rhyming Slang
Cockney Rhyming Slang
Number
Buttered scone
Nickname
Cockney Rhyming Slang
One little duck
One little duck
Number
2
Nickname
One little duck
Explanation
From the resemblance of the number 2 to a duck; see also "22". Response is a single "quack."
Cockney Rhyming Slang for "me and you" which is also a lingo call.
Cockney Rhyming Slang for "me and you" which is also a lingo call.
Number
me an' you
Nickname
Cockney Rhyming Slang for "me and you" which is also a lingo call.
From the Children's TV Programme
From the Children's TV Programme
Number
Dr Who
Nickname
From the Children's TV Programme
Cup of tea
Cup of tea
Number
3
Nickname
Cup of tea
Explanation
Rhymes with "three".
Cockney Rhyming Slang for "you and me"
Cockney Rhyming Slang for "you and me"
Number
you an' me
Nickname
Cockney Rhyming Slang for "you and me"
Cockney Rhyming Slang
Cockney Rhyming Slang
Number
up a tree
Nickname
Cockney Rhyming Slang
Knock at the door
Knock at the door
Number
4
Nickname
Knock at the door
Explanation
Cockney Rhyming Slang. One possible origin is the nursery rhyme One, Two, Buckle My Shoe, Three, Four, Knock At The Door...
Cockney Rhyming Slang
Cockney Rhyming Slang
Number
door to door
Nickname
Cockney Rhyming Slang
Man alive
Man alive
Number
5
Nickname
Man alive
Explanation
Rhymes with "five".
Cockney Rhyming Slang
Cockney Rhyming Slang
Number
Jack alive
Nickname
Cockney Rhyming Slang
Cockney Rhyming Slang
Cockney Rhyming Slang
Number
dead alive
Nickname
Cockney Rhyming Slang
Half a dozen
Half a dozen
Number
6
Nickname
Half a dozen
Explanation
A common phrase meaning six units (see "12" below).
Cockney Rhyming Slang. Mix was one of Hollywood's first Western stars and helped define the genre as it emerged in the early days of the cinema.
Cockney Rhyming Slang. Mix was one of Hollywood's first Western stars and helped define the genre as it emerged in the early days of the cinema.
Number
Tom Mix
Nickname
Cockney Rhyming Slang. Mix was one of Hollywood's first Western stars and helped define the genre as it emerged in the early days of the cinema.
Cockney Rhyming Slang
Cockney Rhyming Slang
Number
choppin' sticks
Nickname
Cockney Rhyming Slang
Cockney Rhyming Slang
Cockney Rhyming Slang
Number
chopsticks
Nickname
Cockney Rhyming Slang
Lucky
Lucky
Number
7
Nickname
Lucky
Explanation
7 is considered a lucky number in some cultures; see also "73".
Cockney Rhyming Slang for "Gods in Heaven"
Cockney Rhyming Slang for "Gods in Heaven"
Number
Gawd's in 'eaven
Nickname
Cockney Rhyming Slang for "Gods in Heaven"
Garden gate
Garden gate
Number
8
Nickname
Garden gate
Explanation
Rhymes with "eight".
From the resemblance of the number 8 to an overweight woman; see also "88".
From the resemblance of the number 8 to an overweight woman; see also "88".
Number
One fat lady
Nickname
From the resemblance of the number 8 to an overweight woman; see also "88".
Cockney Rhyming Slang for "Harry Tate" the music hall and variety show comedian
Cockney Rhyming Slang for "Harry Tate" the music hall and variety show comedian
Number
'Arry Tate
Nickname
Cockney Rhyming Slang for "Harry Tate" the music hall and variety show comedian
Doctor's orders
Doctor's orders
Number
9
Nickname
Doctor's orders
Explanation
Number 9 was a laxative pill given out by army doctors in WWI. Players may respond with, “Cough, cough!”
Keir's den
Keir's den
Number
10
Nickname
Keir's den
Explanation
Refers to Keir Starmer, the current incumbent of Number 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the prime minister of the United Kingdom. The call changes with each new prime minister. First noted use was "Macmillan's Den" in the early 1960s
Cockney Rhyming Slang for "cock and hen" or cocks and hen
Cockney Rhyming Slang for "cock and hen" or cocks and hen
Number
cock(s) an' 'en
Nickname
Cockney Rhyming Slang for "cock and hen" or cocks and hen
Cockney Rhyming Slang for "Downing Street" which is also a lingo term
Cockney Rhyming Slang for "Downing Street" which is also a lingo term
Number
Dahnin' Street
Nickname
Cockney Rhyming Slang for "Downing Street" which is also a lingo term
Legs eleven
Legs eleven
Number
11
Nickname
Legs eleven
Explanation
First referenced in WWI, it was Aussie Slang for a tall, thin man, and the nickname of the 11th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force. Also, during WWI, it was British slang for a tall officer with very thin legs. Often inappropriately deemed sexist and likened to chicken legs in its defence. Players would wolf whistle in response, which could be d
One dozen
One dozen
Number
12
Nickname
One dozen
Explanation
A reference to there being 12 units in one dozen.
Unlucky for some
Unlucky for some
Number
13
Nickname
Unlucky for some
Explanation
A reference to 13 being an unlucky number.
Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day
Number
14
Nickname
Valentine's Day
Explanation
A reference to 14 February being St. Valentine's Day.
Young and keen
Young and keen
Number
15
Nickname
Young and keen
Explanation
Rhymes with "fifteen".
Never been kissed
Never been kissed
Number
16
Nickname
Never been kissed
Explanation
After the song Sweet Sixteen and Never Been Kissed.
Refers to the US and Canadian celebrations of a Sweet sixteen birthday.
Refers to the US and Canadian celebrations of a Sweet sixteen birthday.
Number
Sweet 16
Nickname
Refers to the US and Canadian celebrations of a Sweet sixteen birthday.
Dancing Queen
Dancing Queen
Number
17
Nickname
Dancing Queen
Explanation
The song "Dancing Queen" by ABBA famously features the number in its lyrics.
Coming of age
Coming of age
Number
18
Nickname
Coming of age
Explanation
Eighteen is the age of majority in the England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Goodbye, teens
Goodbye, teens
Number
19
Nickname
Goodbye, teens
Explanation
Nineteen is the age after which a person stops being a teenager.
Score
Score
Number
20
Nickname
Score
Explanation
20 units in a score
cheeky phrase- rhymes with twenty
cheeky phrase- rhymes with twenty
Number
Getting plenty
Nickname
cheeky phrase- rhymes with twenty
Key of the door
Key of the door
Number
21
Nickname
Key of the door
Explanation
The traditional age of majority.
Named after the traditional 21-gun salute.
Named after the traditional 21-gun salute.
Number
Royal salute
Nickname
Named after the traditional 21-gun salute.
Ducks on the pond
Ducks on the pond
Number
22
Nickname
Ducks on the pond
Explanation
The numeral 22 resembles the profile of two ducks. Response is often "quack, quack".
The Lord is My Shepherd
The Lord is My Shepherd
Number
23
Nickname
The Lord is My Shepherd
Explanation
The first words of Psalm 23 of the Old Testament.
Rhymes with "twenty-three".
Rhymes with "twenty-three".
Number
Thee and me
Nickname
Rhymes with "twenty-three".
Two dozen
Two dozen
Number
24
Nickname
Two dozen
Explanation
12 × 2 = 24. Refer to 12 above.
Duck and dive
Duck and dive
Number
25
Nickname
Duck and dive
Explanation
Rhymes with "(twenty) five", and is made up of a "2" – resembles a duck, and a "5" – resembles a reflected "2".
Half a crown
Half a crown
Number
26
Nickname
Half a crown
Explanation
Pre-decimalised currency in the UK. (See half crown.) A half crown is equivalent to 2 shillings and sixpence, written 2/6 and pronounced "two and six".
Rhymes with "twenty-six".
Rhymes with "twenty-six".
Number
Pick and mix
Nickname
Rhymes with "twenty-six".
Duck and a crutch
Duck and a crutch
Number
27
Nickname
Duck and a crutch
Explanation
The number 2 looks like a duck (see '2') and the number 7 looks like a crutch.
Rhymes with "twenty-seven".
Rhymes with "twenty-seven".
Number
Gateway to Heaven
Nickname
Rhymes with "twenty-seven".
In a state
In a state
Number
28
Nickname
In a state
Explanation
"Two and eight" is rhyming slang for "state".
Rhymes with "twenty-eight".
Rhymes with "twenty-eight".
Number
Overweight
Nickname
Rhymes with "twenty-eight".
Rise and shine
Rise and shine
Number
29
Nickname
Rise and shine
Explanation
Rhymes with "twenty-nine".
Dirty Gertie
Dirty Gertie
Number
30
Nickname
Dirty Gertie
Explanation
Common rhyme derived from the given name Gertrude, used as a nickname for the statue La Delivrance installed in North London in 1927.
The usage was reinforced by Dirty Gertie from Bizerte, a bawdy song sung by Allied soldiers in North Africa during the Second World War.
Get up and run
Get up and run
Number
31
Nickname
Get up and run
Explanation
Rhymes with "thirty-one".
Buckle my shoe
Buckle my shoe
Number
32
Nickname
Buckle my shoe
Explanation
Come from the nursery rhyme One, Two, Buckle My Shoe
Dirty knee
Dirty knee
Number
33
Nickname
Dirty knee
Explanation
Rhymes with "thirty-three".
Popular on the British TV Show Bob's Full House, where the audience and even Bob would respond with "Wogan's Knees," a reference to TV & Radio presenter Terry Wogan.
Popular on the British TV Show Bob's Full House, where the audience and even Bob would respond with "Wogan's Knees," a reference to TV & Radio presenter Terry Wogan.
Number
All the threes
Nickname
Popular on the British TV Show Bob's Full House, where the audience and even Bob would respond with "Wogan's Knees," a reference to TV & Radio presenter Terry Wogan.
Ask for more
Ask for more
Number
34
Nickname
Ask for more
Explanation
Rhymes with "thirty-four".
Jump and jive
Jump and jive
Number
35
Nickname
Jump and jive
Explanation
A dance step.
Three dozen
Three dozen
Number
36
Nickname
Three dozen
Explanation
3 × 12 = 36. Refer to 12 above.
More than 11
More than 11
Number
37
Nickname
More than 11
Explanation
Rhymes with "thirty-seven".
Christmas cake
Christmas cake
Number
38
Nickname
Christmas cake
Explanation
Cockney rhyming slang.
All the Steps
All the Steps
Number
39
Nickname
All the Steps
Explanation
From The Thirty-Nine Steps, a 1915 adventure novel by John Buchan, and also several film adaptations.
Life begins
Life begins
Number
40
Nickname
Life begins
Explanation
From the title of the 1932 self-help book by W . Pitkin ‘Life Begins at Forty’
A common colloquialism for those at the start of their middle ages.
A common colloquialism for those at the start of their middle ages.
Number
Naughty 40
Nickname
A common colloquialism for those at the start of their middle ages.
Time for fun
Time for fun
Number
41
Nickname
Time for fun
Explanation
Rhymes with "forty-one".
Winnie the Pooh
Winnie the Pooh
Number
42
Nickname
Winnie the Pooh
Explanation
Rhymes with "forty-two" and in reference to Winnie-the-Pooh, a beloved UK children's book character.
Down on your knees
Down on your knees
Number
43
Nickname
Down on your knees
Explanation
This was a phrase that was made popular during wartime by soldiers.
Droopy drawers
Droopy drawers
Number
44
Nickname
Droopy drawers
Explanation
Rhyme that refers to sagging underwear.
Diana Dors Rhymes with "All the fours".
Diana Dors Rhymes with "All the fours".
Number
All the fours, Diana Dors
Nickname
Diana Dors Rhymes with "All the fours".
Halfway there
Halfway there
Number
45
Nickname
Halfway there
Explanation
Being halfway towards 90.
Up to tricks
Up to tricks
Number
46
Nickname
Up to tricks
Explanation
Rhymes with "forty-six".
Four and seven
Four and seven
Number
47
Nickname
Four and seven
Explanation
Refers to the two numbers that make up 47, those being 4 and 7.
Four dozen
Four dozen
Number
48
Nickname
Four dozen
Explanation
4 × 12 = 48. Refer to 12 above.
PC
PC
Number
49
Nickname
PC
Explanation
Refers to the BBC Radio series "The Adventures of PC 49". The usual response is "Evening, all".
It's a bullseye!
It's a bullseye!
Number
50
Nickname
It's a bullseye!
Explanation
Referring to the darts score.
| Number | Nickname | Explanation |
| 1 | Kelly's eye | The pun is military slang; possibly a reference to Ned Kelly, from Ned Kelly's helmet, the eye slot resembling the number 1. |
| Little Jimmy | One of the oldest bingo calls, first recorded in an article about troops bound for the Boer War in 1900. Military slang from the Navy term for the First Lieutenant known as "Jimmy the One" | |
| Kelly's wonk | Rare. Anecdotal ex a one-eyed Kelly. | |
| Buttered scone | Cockney Rhyming Slang | |
| 2 | One little duck | From the resemblance of the number 2 to a duck; see also "22". Response is a single "quack." |
| me an' you | Cockney Rhyming Slang for "me and you" which is also a lingo call. | |
| Dr Who | From the Children's TV Programme | |
| 3 | Cup of tea | Rhymes with "three". |
| you an' me | Cockney Rhyming Slang for "you and me" | |
| up a tree | Cockney Rhyming Slang | |
| 4 | Knock at the door | Cockney Rhyming Slang. One possible origin is the nursery rhyme One, Two, Buckle My Shoe, Three, Four, Knock At The Door... |
| door to door | Cockney Rhyming Slang | |
| 5 | Man alive | Rhymes with "five". |
| Jack alive | Cockney Rhyming Slang | |
| dead alive | Cockney Rhyming Slang | |
| 6 | Half a dozen | A common phrase meaning six units (see "12" below). |
| Tom Mix | Cockney Rhyming Slang. Mix was one of Hollywood's first Western stars and helped define the genre as it emerged in the early days of the cinema. | |
| choppin' sticks | Cockney Rhyming Slang | |
| chopsticks | Cockney Rhyming Slang | |
| 7 | Lucky | 7 is considered a lucky number in some cultures; see also "73". |
| Gawd's in 'eaven | Cockney Rhyming Slang for "Gods in Heaven" | |
| 8 | Garden gate | Rhymes with "eight". |
| One fat lady | From the resemblance of the number 8 to an overweight woman; see also "88". | |
| 'Arry Tate | Cockney Rhyming Slang for "Harry Tate" the music hall and variety show comedian | |
| 9 | Doctor's orders | Number 9 was a laxative pill given out by army doctors in WWI. Players may respond with, “Cough, cough!” |
| 10 | Keir's den | Refers to Keir Starmer, the current incumbent of Number 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the prime minister of the United Kingdom. The call changes with each new prime minister. First noted use was "Macmillan's Den" in the early 1960s |
| cock(s) an en | Cockney Rhyming Slang for "cock and hen" or cocks and hen | |
| Dahnin' Street | Cockney Rhyming Slang for "Downing Street" which is also a lingo term | |
| 11 | Legs eleven | First referenced in WWI, it was Aussie Slang for a tall, thin man, and the nickname of the 11th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force. Also, during WWI, it was British slang for a tall officer with very thin legs. Often inappropriately deemed sexist and likened to chicken legs in its defence. Players would wolf whistle in response, which could be d |
| 12 | One dozen | A reference to there being 12 units in one dozen. |
| 13 | Unlucky for some | A reference to 13 being an unlucky number. |
| 14 | Valentine's Day | A reference to 14 February being St. Valentine's Day. |
| 15 | Young and keen | Rhymes with "fifteen". |
| 16 | Never been kissed | After the song Sweet Sixteen and Never Been Kissed. |
| Sweet 16 | Refers to the US and Canadian celebrations of a Sweet sixteen birthday. | |
| 17 | Dancing Queen | The song "Dancing Queen" by ABBA famously features the number in its lyrics. |
| 18 | Coming of age | Eighteen is the age of majority in the England, Wales and Northern Ireland. |
| 19 | Goodbye, teens | Nineteen is the age after which a person stops being a teenager. |
| 20 | Score | 20 units in a score |
| Getting plenty | cheeky phrase- rhymes with twenty | |
| 21 | Key of the door | The traditional age of majority. |
| Royal salute | Named after the traditional 21-gun salute. | |
| 22 | Ducks on the pond | The numeral 22 resembles the profile of two ducks. Response is often "quack, quack". |
| Two little ducks | ||
| 23 | The Lord is My Shepherd | The first words of Psalm 23 of the Old Testament. |
| Thee and me | Rhymes with "twenty-three". | |
| 24 | Two dozen | 12 × 2 = 24. Refer to 12 above. |
| 25 | Duck and dive | Rhymes with "(twenty) five", and is made up of a "2" – resembles a duck, and a "5" – resembles a reflected "2". |
| 26 | Half a crown | Pre-decimalised currency in the UK. (See half crown.) A half crown is equivalent to 2 shillings and sixpence, written 2/6 and pronounced "two and six". |
References
- Bingo Rentalhttps://www.bingorental.co.uk/bingo-lingo_legs_eleven_is_innocent/
- BR 2025.
- Partridge 2006, p. 1397.
- BBC News Onlinehttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lincolnshire/3001701.stm
- BBC News Onlinehttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/3004607.stm
- Wink Bingohttps://www.winkbingo.com/the-bingo-game/bingo-calls
- Green 1986, p. 147.
- Bingo Rentalhttps://www.bingorental.co.uk/what_is_the_origin_of_bingo_lingo_little_jimmy/
- Bingo Rentalhttps://www.bingorental.co.uk/what_is_the_origin_of_bingo_lingo_little_jimmy/
- Jolly 2018.
- Partridge 2006, p. 639.
- Wright 1981, p. 109.
- Bingo – Trendier than Clubbing!, Inside Out (BBC), 23 September 2002. Retrieved 3 August 2009.https://www.bbc.co.uk/insideout/east/series1/bingo.shtml
- Uk Game Showshttp://www.ukgameshows.com/ukgs/Bob%27s_Full_House
- Enefer 1961, p. 37.
- Ponder 1938, p. 41.
- Trovehttps://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/91375793
- Downing 1919, p. 32.
- Belford 1940.
- Notes and Querieshttps://archive.org/details/s12notesqueries09londuoft/s12notesqueries09londuoft/page/424/mode/2up?q=legs+eleven