Bingo is not only a noun, but it is sometimes used as an exclamation or interjection. An interjection is a word or short phrase that expresses spontaneous emotion. We will examine the definition of the word bingo, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences.
Bingo is most often used to reference a lottery game in which a caller announces random numbers. These numbers correspond to numbers printed on cards held by the players. As the numbers are called, the players cover them on their cards. When a row of numbers is filled in, the player calls out Bingo! He is the winner. The word bingo is also used as an interjection in conversation to express satisfaction at a positive outcome or the sudden occurrence of a good idea. The word bingo used as an interjection seems to have occurred first in the 1920s, with the game bingo following a decade later. The word bing was popular during the 1920s to indicate something that happened suddenly, the addition of the -o echoic ending created the word bingo.
Examples
A divided Senate signed off on a deal allowing lottery ticket vending machines in Kansas retail stores despite bipartisan consternation Friday about the procedure used to include language in the bill authorizing comparable machines for bingo ticket transactions. (The Topeka Capital Journal)
Bustillos had just settled in for the regular Wednesday night bingo session in the Samala Showroom when she won the first game for $1,000, which was thrilling enough, but she said what happened next was “unbelievable.” (Santa Ynez Valley News)
Florist charged with taking flowers from cemetery. Bingo! (The Record)
Give us a substantive discussion that lets us see what you’d do as president, and we’ll all shout “Bingo!” (Newsday)