Bingo lingo is being used in the battle against political correctness as language campaigners claim that the move from traditional bingo terms is ruining our heritage. Is our favourite game really being changed by politicians?

Ironically bingo clubs rarely use terms such as “two fat ladies” and haven’t done for many years. Reports claim the game is more profession now and customers prefer the modern calling terms.

The reality is that bingo clubs follow a code of practice and generally each bingo number is repeated twice (e.g. two and one, twenty-one) and 3 times in national bingo games (e.g. twenty-one, two and one, twenty-one). Deviating from the calling practices by adding extra detail to a number increases the amount of time it takes to call a game of bingo and hence reduces the interval time. Reduced interval time equals less time for customers to spend money on cash bingo, gaming machines, or refreshments and therefore bingo clubs would make less money. The other reason is that typically traditional terms such as ‘legs eleven’ would result in reactions from the customers, such as tapping drinks glasses, whistles and cheers. The extra noise slows the game down as the caller has to be extra cautious in case there is a claim, it also risks customers not being heard when they make a claim.

With large prize funds and jackpot games bingo has become a very serious game. In most clubs there will be rules in relation to customers not talking during bingo games, mobile phones being switched to silent etc. In some clubs customers are not allowed to enter the main bingo area during the main games and have to wait in the foyer. In other clubs there is no service at the books counter or at the bar and café in order to promote a quiet atmosphere.

Jamie Olweny, a manager in the bingo industry from 1990 -2009 commented: “The older bingo terms had been phrased out of the game prior to my time. Occasionally the odds terms would be used in a special game but very very rarely”

Paul Smith, manager of the Majestic in the Denmark Centre, South Shields, claimed the language has been phased out over the last 20 years.

He added: "It has happened because gaming regulations have changed to improve the customer's experience.

"It is more clear what numbers are being called now, and it speeds the game up. There were often problems with misunderstanding what had been called before.

"It has possibly taken something away from the game, but the majority of our customers prefer it, are used to it, and expect a level of professionalism.

"You will get the odd person who still wolf-whistles or shouts out some of the old phrases, but the language is a bit politically incorrect.

Maureen McLaughlin is a regular at the Majestic and Mecca bingos.

The 80-year-old added: "The big bingo halls aren't allowed to say anything that might offend people now, but if you go to smaller clubs, they still do.

"It doesn't really bother me too much – as long as my numbers come up, they can say whatever they want."

Where bingo is played outside of bingo clubs, such as social clubs, charity events, council halls etc. the traditional terms of bingo numbers can sometimes still be heard. However, it seems that bosses of some are following the code of practice used in bingo clubs – some are blaming European politics. While there was moves to change to everyday ‘gendered’ terminology, including ‘right hand man,’ ‘Old Masters’ and ‘gentlemen’s agreement’.

The number ‘88’ earned the nickname because it looks like two plump women standing side by side. Other terms such as legs eleven may come under fire for being sexist. With 12,000 members in 80 countries, The Plain English Campaign, battles for clear communication in everyday life.

However, while there has been much speculation no politician has yet raised the issue of bingo correctness.

Rob Hutchinson, the owner of a bingo website has been campaigning to protect traditional bingo calls. He asked the members of his site to sign a petition, and 1 ½ percent of people have signed up.

He said: "Generations of bingo fans have used these sayings and they're great fun.

"The call of 'two fat ladies' is part of our heritage. It's worth sticking up for.

"I'm sure any ladies of larger size who go to bingo don't find it insulting, but take it in the affectionate spirit in which it's meant."

Chrissie Maher, OBE and founder of Plain English Campaign said: “Our language is a reflection of our society and people will always create slang terms. But familiar phrases that carry no ill-intentions are usually accepted by most people using PC - meaning plain commonsense! It shouldn’t be necessary to mess about with parts of our heritage like our nursery rhymes or bingo slang if the meaning is clear and understood first time round. We can’t let political correctness rule our language.”

Maher added: "Although banning bingo terms may sound humorous at first, it does have serious implications.

"Political correctness was something bought in to establish fairness and equality, but it has taken things to the other extreme."

"We can't let political correctness rule our language."

While most bingo halls that Bingosupermarket speaks to don't use such terms in the majority of their games the removal of such a tradition would certainly be a real shame and clearly the alternative ’two generously proportioned people of either gender?’ is not so appealing.