‘The farmer’s dog leapt over the style, his name was little Bingo’, are the catchy lyrics to a popular children’s song. Yet why the dog was named the same as the popular gambling game is anyone’s guess.
Although the first record of bingo games being played dates way back to 1530, the game didn’t become popular until the 20th Century. The song about Bingo, the farmer’s dog, dates back to 1780, so it seems unlikely that the dog was named by a fan of the game of lucky balls.
The original version of the catchy song, attributed to British actor William Swords, rhymed the words bingo, stingo and jingo. Therefore it seems likely that the dog’s name was simply made up as a nonsense name that rolled off the tongue and was easy on the ear.
The word stingo is a real term used to describe a strong Yorkshire beer, whereas jingo referenced the song (a word seemingly derived from ‘jingle’). It seems safe to assume that the name Bingo was given to the little dog in question quite randomly; yet despite this it has stuck through every version of the rhyme since, with Bingo becoming the definite star of the show.
Now sung as a popular children’s clapping game, the song was once reported to be an adult drinking song, enjoyed by large groups in the midst of a drinking session.
Another example of such a song is Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, which is a popular drinking song among rugby union players, who accompany it with obscene gestures. Air Force pilots are also said to have taken a particular liking to this song and the accompanying gestures (anyone that misses their cue has to get the drinks in).
Whatever the reason for his name, it seems that little Bingo gets about a fair bit. Heard and sung by tots, schoolchildren and drinking buddies, many versions of the song have been recorded in areas such as Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Derbyshire and Enbourne.
Those of you who are more interested in shouting ‘Bingo’ while looking at a winning ticket will know that the game is just as popular as the song. Originating from an American carnival game, this game of chance (which involves matching numbered balls to the numbers on your bingo card), is the pastime of choice for many people.
When the game first hit the mainstream it was necessary to take the trip to a bingo hall to enjoy playing. However, now many online casinos run fantastic bingo promotions they have become a popular game to play from the comfort of your own home.
The benefits of going out to a traditional bingo hall are that it makes the game a sociable occasion where you can enjoy meeting up with friends while experiencing the thrill of bingo games.
However, a trip to the bingo hall can quickly add up to a considerable expense. The cost of getting there, plus entry fees and ticket costs, as well as food and drink, can make an evening of bingo an expensive prospect.
For those times when you simply want to enjoy bingo games in a no fuss, stress-free way, online bingo is a great alternative. You can go online from home and play low price, or free bingo when it suits you.
Playing from home needn’t mean missing out on the social aspect of bingo. With chat rooms and advice forums, the online bingo community is a lively and welcoming one.
Just think of the song when you’re registering your username and Bingo could be your name-o too!