Often used for their ability to instantly evoke emotions or specific situations, meme sounds have become common tools in audiovisual editing. They are often used humorously or emblematically.
The List
Here is a list of some of the most famous ones:
Wilhelm Scream
The Wilhelm Scream originated in the 1951 film "Distant Drums". In this film, a scene shows a character screaming as he is attacked by an alligator in the Everglades. This particular scream was recorded in post-production by actor and singer Sheb Wooley. However, it was only a few years later that this scream was dubbed the "Wilhelm Scream".
A sound to listen to on this page >
The name "Wilhelm" comes from a character in the film "The Charge at Feather River" (1953), where a soldier named Wilhelm lets out this same scream after being shot by an arrow. It was from this film that the scream began to be recognized and reused.
The sound effect was rediscovered and popularized by sound engineers Ben Burtt and Richard L. Anderson. Ben Burtt, in particular, incorporated it into the original "Star Wars" trilogy and the "Indiana Jones" series, greatly contributing to its fame. Since then, the Wilhelm Scream has become an in-joke among sound engineers and filmmakers, used in a multitude of productions as a homage or an internal gag.
The Wilhelm Scream has become a quintessential meme sound, symbolizing a humorous or nostalgic nod to cinema history. Its continued reuse testifies to its iconic status in popular culture. Today, film enthusiasts and sound professionals listen carefully for this scream in new productions, savoring each appearance as a small piece of cinematic history.
Howie Scream
Another human scream often used for scenes of terror or intense danger. It is particularly common in horror films and video games.
Sad Trombone
The Sad Trombone is a distinctive sound effect used to mark moments of disappointment, failure, or comic sadness. It is often employed in media to highlight a humorous fall or an embarrassing situation in an exaggerated manner.
The exact origin of the Sad Trombone is difficult to trace, but it is deeply rooted in the tradition of vaudeville shows and radio broadcasts of the early 20th century. This sound became iconic due to its frequent use in television shows, cartoons, and comedies.
The Sad Trombone typically consists of three or four descending notes, often played on a trombone or another wind instrument. Here are its main characteristics:
- Descending Notes: The sequence starts with a relatively high note and quickly descends in pitch, creating a glissando (sliding note) effect.
- Instrument: Traditionally played on a trombone, but can also be performed on other wind instruments or even synthesized.
- Tempo: The sequence is played quickly, which accentuates the comic effect.
The Sad Trombone remains a ubiquitous sound element in popular culture. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a perfect choice for content creators looking to add a humorous dimension to their works. It continues to be used in various contexts, proving its enduring appeal and popularity.
Ba Dum Tss
The "ba dum tss" sound is often used to punctuate a joke, typically a corny or punchline joke. It is typically associated with stand-up comedy routines, where a drummer plays this sequence to accentuate the punchline of a joke. This sound consists of three distinct parts:
- "Ba": A bass drum hit.
- "Dum": A snare drum hit.
- "Tss": A hi-hat or crash cymbal hit.
The effect produces a rapid and rhythmic sequence: "Ba-dum-tss", which has become a meme sound in itself.
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Castle Thunder
The Castle Thunder is an iconic thunder sound effect that has been used in countless films, television shows, and theme park attractions since its first appearance. This distinctive thunder sound has become as recognizable as the Wilhelm Scream, particularly in horror films and storm scenes.
The Castle Thunder sound was first recorded for the 1931 Universal Pictures film "Frankenstein". This sound was designed to add a dramatic and sinister atmosphere to storm and tension scenes.
After its introduction in "Frankenstein", Castle Thunder was reused in many other Universal classic films, including other monster films like "Bride of Frankenstein" (1935) and "Dracula" (1931). Its popularity grew, and it became one of the most used sound effects in Hollywood productions.
Although new recording techniques and more modern sound effects are available, Castle Thunder continues to be used for its nostalgic effect and instant recognition. It serves as a bridge between early cinematic works and contemporary productions, illustrating the evolution and continuity of the art of sound in cinema.
Shepard Tone
This auditory effect is a sound illusion that creates the impression of an infinitely ascending (or descending) pitch.
The Shepard Tone is created by superimposing several sinusoidal waves spaced an octave apart from each other. Each component is a sound wave with a different pitch, but they are all perceived as being harmonic.
As the sequence progresses, the volume of the waves at one end of the spectrum (the lowest or highest pitches) is gradually decreased, while the volume of the waves at the other end is increased. This creates a continuous transition.
By combining these sound waves and adjusting their respective volumes, our brain perceives a sound that seems to rise or fall endlessly, even though it actually returns continually to the starting point.
This sound illusion is widely used in music and sound to create suspense and tension.
Dramatic Chipmunk
A dramatic sound effect often used to emphasize a surprising or revealing moment.
BRAAAM or Inception Horn
A dramatic and powerful horn sound popularized by the trailer for the film Inception, now often used to add gravity or tension to a scene.
More information about it can be found on its wiki page.
Tarzan Yell
The distinctive Tarzan yell, often imitated or reused in various works to evoke the jungle or adventure.
BOING
A spring or bounce sound frequently used in cartoons for comic effects.
Record Scratch
Used to indicate a sudden stop or surprising interruption in a scene.
