rimshot

Drummer's comedic flourish

A rimshot is a drumming technique where the stick strikes the drumhead and rim simultaneously, producing a sharp, accented sound.

In comedy, a rimshot—or the related sting pattern (ba-dum-tss)—punctuates a punchline, especially a corny joke: He delivered the pun and waited for the rimshot.

The term now evokes deliberate cheesiness.

drumming

snare

Device for catching prey

cymbal · beat · accent · fill · sting · backbeat · groove · kit · drummer · tempo

comedy

punchline

Humor's final delivery

  • zingerPointed witty remark
  • one-linerBrief standalone joke
  • jokeHumorous statement seeking laughter

gag · timing · payoff · quip · wisecrack · ba-dum-tss · sting · button · callback · setup

basketball

backboard

Board behind basket

  • swishSoft rushing sound
  • jumperPullover or pinafore dress
  • floaterSomething buoyant or transient

fadeaway · hook · layup · brick · airball · shooter · arc · release · mid-range · perimeter

Categories
Opposites
drumming technique

rimshotghost note

Muted percussive accent

soft roll · brushwork · rest · tacet

comedic function

rimshotdead air

Unintended broadcast quiet

groan · boos · heckle · silence · crickets

drum technique

rimshotghost note

Muted percussive accent

brush stroke · cross-stick

Family

rimshots

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Rated G