The History of Bingo Slang: From Two Fat Ladies to Legs Eleven

Bingo is a popular game that has been played for centuries. The game is loved by people of all ages, and its popularity has only grown over the years. One of the unique features of bingo is the use of slang terms to refer to the numbers that are called out during the game. These slang terms add an element of fun and excitement to the game, and have become an integral part of bingo culture. In this article, we will take a look at the history of bingo slang, and how it has evolved over time.

Early Days of Bingo

The game of bingo originated in Italy in the 16th century, and was known as “Lo Giuoco del Lotto D’Italia”. The game was later introduced in France in the 18th century, where it was played as “Le Lotto”. The game eventually made its way to the United States in the early 20th century, where it was played as a form of entertainment at carnivals and fairs.

During the early days of bingo, there were no slang terms used to refer to the numbers that were called out. Instead, the numbers were simply called out by their names, such as “two” or “twenty-two”.

The Emergence of Bingo Slang

It wasn’t until the 1940s that bingo slang began to emerge. During this time, bingo became a popular pastime in the United Kingdom, and players began to come up with their own slang terms to refer to the numbers that were called out. These slang terms were often rhyming phrases, such as “two fat ladies” for the number 88, or “legs eleven” for the number 11.

The use of bingo slang quickly caught on, and soon became an integral part of bingo culture. Players would often use the slang terms to cheer each other on, and to add an element of fun and excitement to the game.

Bingo Slang Today

Today, bingo slang is still widely used, and many of the classic slang terms are still in use. However, new slang terms have also emerged over the years, as players continue to come up with creative ways to refer to the numbers that are called out.

Some of the most popular bingo slang terms today include “clickety click” for the number 66, “two little ducks” for the number 22, and “knock at the door” for the number 54. These slang terms add an element of fun and excitement to the game, and are a great way to bring players together.

Bingo slang has come a long way since the early days of the game. What started as a few simple rhyming phrases has evolved into a rich culture of slang terms that add an element of fun and excitement to the game. Whether you’re a seasoned bingo player, or just getting started, learning the slang terms is a great way to get into the spirit of the game and connect with other players.