Bingo Glossary: Cards, Patterns and Chat Abbreviations

This glossary explains common bingo card, draw and chat terminology for Canadian readers. Understanding a label helps interpret the rules; it does not improve the probability of a winning draw.

Whether you are trying to figure out what “1TG” means or why someone just called out “Two Fat Ladies,” this guide is your go-to resource for all things bingo.

A–Z of Essential Bingo Terminology

Individual game rules can use terms differently. The definitions below describe common usage.

• Admission: The minimum purchase required to participate in a bingo session.
• Auto-Daub: A digital feature that automatically marks your numbers as they are called. It changes marking, not the draw.
• B-I-N-G-O: The five columns on a standard 75-ball bingo card. Each letter corresponds to a specific range of 15 numbers.
• Blackout: A win condition where you must cover every single square on your card. Also known as a “Coverall.”
• Buy-In: The total amount of money you spend to purchase your tickets for a specific round.
• Caller: The person (or automated software) that announces the numbers as they are drawn.
• Chat Moderator (CM): The person in charge of the chat room who welcomes players and hosts side-games.
• Dauber: Traditionally a felt-tipped marker; in online bingo, it refers to the virtual icon used to mark your numbers.
• Free Space: The central square on a 75-ball bingo card that is automatically “given” to the player.
• Full House: In 90-ball bingo, this means marking off all 15 numbers on a single ticket.
• On: A term used to describe how many faces are on a single sheet (e.g., “3-on” means three bingo cards on one page).
• Pattern: The specific shape (like a diamond, cross, or line) you must complete to win the game.
• Progressive Jackpot: A prize that grows under a specified contribution rule until its qualifying event occurs; not every game necessarily contributes.
• Random Number Generator (RNG): A mechanism for generating outcomes. The label alone does not establish that its design, implementation or use is random or fair; those claims need evidence and appropriate testing.

Chat Room Slang: Decoding the “Bingo Lingo”

If you see letters flying across the chat screen, don’t panic! Canadian “roomies” use these common acronyms to communicate at lightning speed.

Acronym	Meaning	When to Use It
1TG / 2TG	1 To Go / 2 To Go	When you only need 1 or 2 numbers to win.
GL / GLA	Good Luck / Good Luck All	Said at the beginning of a new game.
WD / WDW	Well Done / Well Done Winner	To congratulate the person who just won.
BLNT	Better Luck Next Time	Said to those who were close to winning but missed out.
GG	Good Game	Usually said at the end of a round.
BRB	Be Right Back	If you need to step away for a coffee.
TY / TYVM	Thank You / Thank You Very Much	When someone congratulates you.
AFK	Away From Keyboard	Similar to BRB, used when you’re busy.

Famous Bingo Number Nicknames

Many callers and chat rooms use traditional rhyming nicknames for the numbers 1 through 90. Examples from traditional 90-ball calling include:

• Number 1: “Kelly’s Eye”
• Number 11: “Legs Eleven” (often followed by a “whistle” in the chat!)
• Number 22: “Two Little Ducks” (referencing the shape of the number 2)
• Number 30: “Dirty Gertie”
• Number 45: “Halfway There” (as it’s half of 90)
• Number 57: “Heinz Varieties”
• Number 66: “Clickety Click”
• Number 88: “Two Fat Ladies”
• Number 90: “Top of the Shop” (the final number)

Terms That Need Their Own Conditions

A wagering requirement describes qualifying play attached to promotional credit. Game contribution specifies how much of an eligible wager counts toward that requirement. Neither term guarantees that a balance can be withdrawn or that meeting a target leaves a profit.

WinnerOnline does not issue bingo codes or process withdrawals. The bonus terms guide explains credit restrictions without listing current offers.

Related Definitions

See patterns and winning rules, multiple cards and strips and chat etiquette for further detail.

Explore the full section: bingo probability and strategy claims.