The game of bingo has many numbers that have been given nicknames. There are two purposes for giving the bingo numbers nicknames: the first purpose is verifying and emphasizing the call. Very often bingo halls are loud and crowded and it becomes a little difficult to make out the numbers that are being called. Using nicknames helps players confirm that the number they have heard is the correct one. The second purpose of using bingo nicknames is to add a little humour and respite to the repetitive process of calling out the numbers.
In general, there are two types of nicknames- those that rhyme with the number and those that can be associated with the number in particular. For example, forty two-Manhattan’s famous street.
Some bingo numbers have more than one nickname while others do not have any at all. Generally, bingo number nicknames are not heard in professional bingo halls. These days, they are hardly ever heard as most bingo halls have switched to computerized draws as opposed to the traditional air blown balls in cages. Bingo nicknames, however, are still popular and interesting. Here are some bingo number nicknames worth mentioning.
Before the game commences, players are called to attention by the traditional bingo call “Eyes Down.”
Number 1- Kelly’s eye- it refers to Ned Kelly, the one eyed bushranger from Australia
Number 2- One little duck- this is because the shape of the number 2 looks a bit like the swan
Number 3- One little flea- This is rhyming as well as associated nickname. The number 3 looks a little like the flea.
Number 7- One little crutch- this is because the crutch looks like the number seven
Number 8- One fat lady- this humorous nickname refers to two halves of a fat lady
Number 9- Doctors orders- there was a pill called the Number 9 that was given out by British army doctors as a laxative during the World War 2.
Number 10- Downing street- Refers to the residence of the Prime Minister of the UK- 10 Downing Street.
Number 12- Royal Salute- Refers to the 21 gun salute given for royal birthdays and other such celebrations.
Number 13- Bakers dozen- In olden days, bakers used to add an extra piece of cookie/bread to the dozen that the customer had ordered so that the customer could get a taste of what he or she was buying. Hence the phrase.
Number 17- Dancing queen- from the popular Abba song called ‘Dancing Queen.”
Number 23- Lord’s My Shepherd- Psalm 23
Number 26- Bed and breakfast- in traditional times, one nights lodging cost 2 shillings sixpence, two and six
Number 39- The famous steps; all the steps- a line from the famous 1935 Hitchcock film
Number 59- The Brighton Line- in the UK, the London-Brighton service was no. 59
Number 65- Old age pension- the minimum age for Pension in the UK is 65
Number 76- Seven ‘n’ six, was she worth it?- refers to the price of marriage of a marriage license which was seven shillings six pence.
