This cue is associated with the Hunter special infected in Left 4 Dead 2, Valve's 2009 co-op zombie game. Players recognize it as part of the warning language the series uses to signal dangerous infected nearby. Outside the game, the sound spread through gameplay edits, montage clips, and meme videos where creators use it to suggest stalking, ambush, or sudden panic. It remains popular because it communicates danger immediately, even in a very short clip, much like a danger alarm sound effect meme.