Some of the UK bingo terms are based on traditional Cockney rhyming slang, such as Heaven’s Gate for 78. These rhyming terms might vary depending on the UK bingo hall. There are also bingo terms which refer to the shapes of the numbers, such as 88 being called “Two Fat Ladies”.
There are other UK bingo terms which have more of a complicated origin, such as:
26 Bed and Breakfast
This term originated because the traditional price for a Bed and Breakfast was 2 shillings and 6 pence, or 2 and 6.
39 Those Famous Steps
Refers to the classic spy film “The 39 Steps”
17 Dancing Queen
This references the ABBA song “Dancing Queen” who is “young and sweet, only 17”
9 Doctor’s Orders
This term originates back to the days when bingo was a popular British Army game. The “Number 9” pill was a laxative prescribed by army doctors.
10 Tony’s Den
This UK bingo slang refers to Number 10 Downing Street, and therefore the name changes according to who is the British Prime Minister at the time. As the Prime Minister is Tony Blair, it is “Tony’s Den”.
These are just a few of the quirky and interesting terms you will hear during a UK bingo game, and what they mean.