The cartoon splat is a stock-style comedic effect associated with classic slapstick animation and comedy editing rather than one single famous scene. Sounds like this became common through cartoons, radio effects libraries, and later meme videos, where editors needed a quick way to sell a fall or messy impact. It remains popular because the sound is instantly readable: viewers understand the joke the moment it plays. In short-form edits, it is often paired with a vine boom sound or a punch sound for extra emphasis.