What is Bingo Lingo? Your Guide to Chat & Social Phrases!

The game of bingo is more than just marking off numbers from a card, with it being a lively social experience.

Bingo Lingo is a set of unique phrases and game-specific language, including various abbreviations, mainly used in bingo chat rooms.

As it is such a central part of the game, we here at Wink Bingo have decoded all terminology you might encounter and why it contributes to the overall experience.

Beyond the numbers: Understanding bingo slang and phrases

Used by both players and chat moderators, it can be very useful to understand what bingo lingo is. This refers to the informal slang, phrases and abbreviations seen during play, especially in the online chat rooms that accompany these games. This differs from the traditional rhyming number calls heard in live bingo halls, as it focuses on the social side of the digital games instead.

Why bingo players use this lingo: The social connection

It is important to understand why players use it. One of the main ones is down to efficiency, especially when it comes to abbreviations like ‘1TG’. These are quick to type during fast-paced games and don't take away from the experience. 

In fact, bingo lingo helps to build a sense of community spirit online as it conveys fun and friendly messages to other players in the same room. These shortcuts help to explain the game status, any wins and other chat interactions quickly, too, keeping the conversation easy to keep up with. It is down to these phrases and abbreviations that turn what would be a solo game into a more social event.

Essential online bingo chat lingo explained

There are several key phrases, abbreviations and other terms to understand. Some of the most predominant and most used ones you are likely to encounter are as follows:

• 1TG/2TG/3TG: Means one, two or three to go and lets other players know how close you are to forming a line or winning.
• WTG: Means way to go and is used to congratulate someone who has just won.
• GG: means good game and is a respectful way to sign off once a game or round has ended.
• GL: Means good luck and is a warm wish to other players before a game starts.
• TY/TYVM: Means thank you or thank you very much, being a polite response to any other messages received in the chat room.
• BRB: Means be right back and lets players in the room know you are away from chat temporarily.
• LOL/ROFL: Means laughing out loud or rolling on the floor laughing and is used to react to a funny moment or message.
• CM/CH: Means chat moderator or host, with these being labels displayed next to the users running chat, games, or simply helping players out.
• Roomies: Refers to fellow bingo players in the chat room.
• Auto-daub: An online feature which automatically marks numbers off a card and helps keep track of progress easily.
• Pre-buy/ Pre-purchase: The act of buying tickets in advance for future games to make sure you do not miss out on the next round.
• Side games/ Minis: Refers to extra games such as scratch cards or online slots that could potentially be played alongside a round of bingo.
• Congrats/ Grads: A way to cheer on a player or the winner of a game.
• NP: Means no problem and is a friendly response to a question or other message.

Common general & traditional bingo phrases

There is a slew of other classic terms that are used widely in traditional bingo halls and in online rooms. Some other pieces of terminology to understand include the following:

• House: Refers to a full house when all numbers on a bingo card have been marked off.
• Bingo: The phrase shouted when you win, or the message displayed on screen in digital games.
• Dauber: The pen used to mark off numbers on the bingo card.
• Card/ Ticket: The sheet itself, which contains all the random bingo numbers.
• Line/ Two lines: Common winning patterns seen in 90-ball bingo, which see players mark off one or two full horizontal rows.
• Pattern: The specified shape players must complete in 75-ball bingo games to win. This can include patterns designed like ‘Xs’ or ‘diamonds’.
• Buy-in: The amount to buy a ticket or play a game of bingo.
• Session: A block of several bingo games played back-to-back. 
• Flashing/Display board: The screen that shows called numbers in physical bingo halls.
• Early bird/ Late night: Games that are scheduled before or after the times of the main sessions.

Tips for using bingo slang confidently

There are a couple of tips to remember so you can use bingo lingo confidently. If you are new, you can watch the chat for a while to see how others use phrases. From here, you can start simple, using easy terms and abbreviations to begin with.

Should you be unsure of what something means, you can ask chat moderators or other players, as these can help address any questions or queries, you may have. Simply reading around terms can often reveal the meaning behind them, giving some additional context to the messages being sent. No matter what, though, players should always follow the rules, being friendly to others, as well as reading the basic chat outlines and rules a site may have.

FAQs

What's the difference between "bingo lingo" and "bingo calls"?
While often used interchangeably, "bingo calls" refer specifically to the traditional rhyming phrases announced for each number drawn (like "Legs Eleven" for 11). "Bingo lingo," as discussed in this article, refers to the slang and abbreviations used by players and chat moderators in conversation, especially in online bingo chat rooms (e.g., "1TG" for "one to go").

Why do online bingo players use so many abbreviations like "1TG" or "WTG"?
These abbreviations make communication in fast-paced online chat rooms quicker and more efficient. They allow players to express their excitement, status in the game, or simply greet others without typing out full sentences, fostering a dynamic and social environment.

What does "CM" or "CH" mean in an online bingo chat?
"CM" stands for Chat Moderator, and "CH" stands for Chat Host. These individuals are responsible for overseeing the chat room, enforcing rules, answering player questions, and often running fun mini-games and quizzes for the community.

Can I use online bingo slang in a real-life bingo hall?
Some general bingo terms like "House" or "Dauber" are common in both online and land-based bingo. However, chat-specific abbreviations like "1TG" are primarily for online use and might not be understood or appropriate in a physical bingo hall.

What should I do if I don't understand a piece of bingo slang in chat?
If you encounter a term you don't know, you can often politely ask in the chat (e.g., "What does [term] mean?"). Alternatively, simply observe how others use it, and you'll likely pick up on its meaning quickly.