The record scratch is a long-running comedy and editing staple based on the sound of a vinyl record being abruptly dragged or stopped. It became widely recognizable through radio, film, television, and trailer-style edits, where it signals a sudden interruption or a rewind-the-story moment. Online creators kept it alive in short-form videos, memes, and reaction clips because the sound instantly tells viewers that the scene has taken an awkward or unexpected turn. Its meaning is now almost universal, even for people who have never used a turntable.