The sound comes from Team Fortress 2, Valve's multiplayer shooter first released in 2007, where the Frying Pan became a fan-favourite joke melee weapon used by every class. Its loud, cartoonish clang stood out from the game's other melee hits, and clips of pan kills circulated in gameplay videos and memes. Creators later lifted the short hit sound for soundboards and edits, where it still works as instant shorthand for a ridiculous, non-serious smack.