What's the difference between a rimshot and a sting?

Rimshot is the percussion technique—striking a drum's rim. Sting is the comedic sound effect, which often uses a rimshot but focuses on comedic timing and function rather than the instrument.

Is sting only used in comedy?

No. Stings appear in films, TV shows, and other media to emphasize moments. But they're most famous in comedy after punchlines.

Can you use other instruments for a sting?

Yes. A sting can use any instrument or sound combination. It's about the timing and effect, not the specific instrument used.

Why is it called a sting?

The term originally comes from music—a sting is a short, punchy musical phrase that 'stings' or emphasizes a moment with sharp, quick impact.

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What's the word for a drum rimshot after a joke?

The word you're looking for

sting /stɪŋ/

A short, sharp musical sound effect used in comedy and entertainment to emphasize a joke or moment. While rimshot is the percussion technique itself, sting is the industry term for the comedic sound effect used after punchlines.

Other words that fit

rimshot /ˈrɪmʃɒt/

The specific percussion technique of hitting a drum's rim; use when discussing the drum method technically rather than the comedic timing function.

punctuation

A metaphorical term describing the comedic timing effect without specifying the sound type; useful in figurative or informal discussions.

ba-dum-tss

An onomatopoeia mimicking the sound humorously; use informally or when imitating the sound rather than naming it formally.

Why this word

A sting is a short, sharp musical sound effect widely used in comedy, film, and entertainment to emphasize a moment or punchline. While "rimshot" specifically describes the percussion technique of striking a drum's rim, "sting" is the broader, functional term used in the entertainment industry. The distinction matters: rimshot refers to how the sound is made, while sting describes what comedic function it serves. In casual speech, people imitate this sound as "ba-dum-tss," but sting is the proper professional term. Stings aren't limited to comedy—they're used in film and TV to highlight any significant moment.

In context

After the punchline, the sting made the whole audience laugh.
The comedian waited for the sting to land before continuing.
That joke really needs a good sting to work properly.

Other concepts to find a word for

Punchline Comedic timing Sound effect

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a rimshot and a sting?: Rimshot is the percussion technique—striking a drum's rim. Sting is the comedic sound effect, which often uses a rimshot but focuses on comedic timing and function rather than the instrument.
Is sting only used in comedy?: No. Stings appear in films, TV shows, and other media to emphasize moments. But they're most famous in comedy after punchlines.
Can you use other instruments for a sting?: Yes. A sting can use any instrument or sound combination. It's about the timing and effect, not the specific instrument used.
Why is it called a sting?: The term originally comes from music—a sting is a short, punchy musical phrase that 'stings' or emphasizes a moment with sharp, quick impact.