Bingo Lingo

Many gamers start their online play with bingo. It’s a game that’s already familiar to a large number of players. Even those who have never played before can typically learn the game in just minutes. Despite the rather simple rules involved, playing online bingo comes with an entirely new set of lingo that you wouldn’t hear in a typical bingo hall. But there’s no reason to feel overwhelmed. Many of the bingo lingo terms are easy to use and can help foster a welcoming environment for a fun online community. Learn more about bingo lingo and how you can use it when you play online.

Abc's of Bingo Lingo

To be sure, it’s a long list full of largely unfamiliar terms. However, the following sections will give you some helpful tips for mastering these bingo lingo basics.

Welcome Lingo

General Chat Bingo Lingo

Playing Bingo Lingo

Leaving Bingo Lingo

Online Bingo Lingo in Action

If you're new to the online bingo community, it's a great idea to join a chat and see what the lingo looks like in action. Here's an example:

BingoJo312: Nice win, WTG!

LetsPlay5x5: TYVM!

BingoJo312: YW, but watch out for me this next round or YBS! JK GF *W*

LetsPlay5x5: OMG I'm LOL! Wish I could play another round but I've got to go, TTFN!

Here's what that conversation looks like with all the lingo translated for you:

BingoJo312: Nice win, way to go!

LetsPlay5x5: Thank you very much!

BingoJo312: You're welcome, but watch out for me this next round or you'll be sorry! Just kidding, girlfriend *wink*.

LetsPlay5x5: Oh my goodness I'm laughing out loud! Wish I could play another round but I've got to go, ta ta for now!

By looking at these conversations, you can start to better understand how bingo lingo is naturally incorporated as a shorthand for some of the common language used by online players.

Tips for Memorizing Online Bingo Lingo

While studying real conversations certainly helps, it's not enough for memorizing the bingo lingo terms listed here. Fortunately, these three tips can really help when it comes to figuring out how to communicate with other players online:

1. Acronyms: The most common type of lingo is an acronym. In these terms, each letter represents the first letter of the word it symbolizes. For example, LTNS = long time no see.
2. Action words: If you wish to describe an action, use the acronym system combined with asterisks. For example, *H* = hug and *S* = smile.
3. Phonetic combinations: For a few lingo terms, you can use letters to create a phonetic representation of the word. For example, QT = cutie and L8R G8R = later gator .
4. Association: Associating a type with each term (welcome, general, playing, leaving), like in the list above, makes memorization much easier.

Putting Your Bingo Lingo to Good Use

So how does it work when you're actually ready to play bingo online? It's fairly easy, so there's no need to be intimidated. Here's what you can expect:

• You'll select the type of game you wish to play. Two of the most common types of online bingo games are 75-ball and 90-ball bingo. These numbers represent the total number of possible ball numbers that can be called during a game. Faster bingo games like 5-line bingo (also known as "Swedish bingo") or 30-ball bingo may also be available. 
• Next, you'll select the number of cards you want. The grids will be shown on your screen. As numbers are called, be sure to mark them off on your cards.
• When someone marks off their grid in a certain formation, they win a prize. The rules for each game vary slightly, so find out what constitutes a "win" in the type of game you select.

While you're playing, you'll notice that the bingo chat rooms are likely lighting up with lots of lively conversation among the other players. You may even start to recognize some of the user names in the chat room. While you don't have to chat as you play, it's a great way to make the game more enjoyable. Plus, you'll find that spending time chatting with other players will help you get the hang of the lingo mentioned above even faster.

If you're interested in playing bingo, start by checking out the options online. You'll have more choices than at a local pool hall, and you can be as social as you like thanks to the optional chat rooms.