About Bingo Slang

If you are not an experience Bingo player, you may find yourself amidst a world of confusing lingo upon entering a Bingo hall. Words may sound confusing because Bingo players use a variety of slang and terms exclusive to the pastime.

History of

Bingo was originally called Beano because players covered their cards with dried beans. At one game, a lady became so excited when she won that she shouted "BINGO!" instead of "Beano" and history was changed forever. Now "Bingo" is the typical phrase used to call an official win.

The Facts

Bingo is only one of many slang terms used by the game's players. When Bingo players have only one number remaining before a win, it is referred to as "Waiting" or "Set." So when someone claims that they are waiting, it is not for Bingo to end, it is for the winning number.

"Ball in Monitor" refers to the preview screen for the next number. This means that a player would have had Bingo on the next number if Bingo had not been called already.

Type

Different Bingo games feature different names that Bingo players recognize. A "Hardway Bingo" is a straight line Bingo without using the Free Space. A "Postage Stamp Bingo" is a set of four numbers in a square pattern placed in one of the four corners. A "Picnic Table Bingo" is the "Letter X Bingo" with the top line of the Bingo card included as well. "Jailbar Bingo" is achieved when a Bingo player gets B, N, and O lines.

Misconceptions

Many people assume that most Bingo players are elderly ladies spouting this slang to one another. The truth is that Bingo is played by all ages all over the world and even the classroom at school. The slang terms are also used by players of all ages and are universally known in the Bingo world.

Features

Many of the numbers also feature nicknames. B-1 is "Little Guy," O-75 is "Big Guy," O-66 is "Route 66" and G-50 is known as "Hawaii 5-O." Players constantly make up nicknames of their own that gain popularity. For example, G-54 is known as "Cena's Number" because of WWE superstar John Cena. He wears this number in the WWE, and it was his number during his college football days as well.