Those who play bingo would agree that bingo number calling is an art, wherein bingo callers display their artistic talents by calling numbers that have been picked out in innovative ways. The use of nicknames in bingo has been there since ages. Apart from the popular and common nicknames like 13- unlucky for some, 14 -Valentine’s Day, 50 - half the century, there are many unique bingo nicknames too such as 32 - buckle my shoe, 35 - jump and jive, 78 - heaven’s gate and so on, which adds more fun to any ordinary bingo game.

However, after the advent of internet, the trend of calling bingo nicknames began to fade-out, making way for the new ‘electronic’ straight bingo calling. Calling bingo numbers directly is the latest trend in the online bingo arena, where no one prefers traditional number calling anymore.

Straight number calling is popular for a variety of reasons. First of all, today’s modern generation believes that bingo is a serious business that involves decent money. Thus, one can’t afford to be jocular and playful while announcing the numbers, especially when hundreds and sometimes even thousands of dollars are at stake. Players want to concentrate on the game than being distracted by some funny bingo nicknames. Apart from this, some cheesy bingo nicknames like one fat lady for 8 may tend to offend some female bingo players, who can’t take things lightly. Straight number calling offers much more clarity and this is perhaps why it picked up popularity so quickly.

Previously, learning bingo nicknames was mandatory for all bingo players in order to avoid confusion at the bingo hall. But today, one has the option to go for straight bingo number calling. However, the traditional bingo calling has still maintained its charm, particularly in the local downtown bingo halls. Although there’s no problem in following the old tradition, but one should also try to think up new ideas. With little imagination you can definitely create bingo nicknames that modern generation could relate to, like skinny jeans for 11!!