Ba Dum Tss and Drum Roll Sounds
“Ba dum tss” is the drum rimshot a drummer plays after a stand-up comedian's punchline. Online it marks a joke, usually a bad one or a pun, as officially delivered.
Here are the rimshots on the site, including versions with laughter added, together with drum rolls for building up to a reveal.
Frequently asked questions
What is a rimshot?
A drum hit where the stick strikes the drum head and rim together. The short snare-and-cymbal pattern after a joke is often called a rimshot or “ba dum tss”.
When should I use a drum roll instead?
Before the reveal rather than after it: a drum roll builds anticipation, and the rimshot lands the joke.