Bingo Lingo: Essential Terms to Know Before Playing

Bingo is a classic game that’s loved by players of all ages, and its unique language—commonly referred to as Bingo Lingo—adds to the fun. Whether you’re a first-time player or a bingo veteran, understanding the lingo is crucial to fully enjoying the game and keeping up with the fast-paced action. Here’s a guide to the essential bingo terms you’ll need to know before heading to a bingo hall or playing online bingo.

1. Eyes Down

This is the call made by the bingo caller to signal the start of the game. When the caller says, "Eyes down!" it means it's time to focus on your card and get ready for the numbers to be called.

2. Full House

A Full House occurs when you’ve marked off every number on your bingo card. It’s the ultimate win in bingo, and typically comes with the biggest prize.

3. Two Little Ducks (22)

Bingo callers often use playful rhymes to announce numbers. "Two Little Ducks" is the call for the number 22, referring to the two digits resembling ducks. Other examples include "Legs Eleven" for 11 or "Kelly's Eye" for 1.

4. Line

A line win happens when you complete a full horizontal row of numbers on your card. Most bingo games offer prizes for completing one line, two lines, and finally, a full house.

5. Dab

A dab is the action of marking a number on your card when it’s called. In bingo halls, players use a special ink marker called a "dabber" to mark off their numbers, while in online bingo, numbers are often marked automatically.

6. Jackpot

The jackpot is the top prize in a bingo game, usually awarded to the player who completes a Full House in a certain number of calls. Some bingo games also feature progressive jackpots, which increase in value until someone wins.

7. Caller

The caller is the person who announces the numbers during the game. In live bingo halls, this is done in person, while in online bingo, the numbers are called by a virtual or automated system.

8. Ticket

A bingo ticket is the card you use to play the game. Each ticket contains a grid of numbers, and players mark off the numbers as they’re called by the caller. In a standard 90-ball bingo game, a ticket has three rows and nine columns.

9. Bingo!

The ultimate shout every player wants to make. Yelling "Bingo!" indicates that you’ve completed the required pattern (such as a line or Full House) and won the game. In online bingo, the system will automatically notify you if you win.

Conclusion

Learning the key terms and phrases of Bingo Lingo is essential for keeping up with the fast pace of the game. Whether you’re in a traditional bingo hall or trying your luck with online bingo, mastering the language will help you enjoy the game to the fullest and give you the confidence to shout "Bingo!" when you win.