Clown horns have been a staple of circus acts and slapstick comedy for decades, long before they became a staple sound effect in online videos. The rubber bulb horn, with its unmistakable squeak, signals silliness without needing any explanation, which is why editors reuse it across memes, pranks, gaming clips and short-form comedy. Its short length makes it easy to drop into a cut, and its instantly recognisable tone keeps it popular even as trends change, because a single honk can turn an ordinary moment into a joke.