The Tirailleurs Senegalais were created in 1857 in French West Africa and, despite the name, recruited men from across the region, not only Senegal. They fought for France in both World Wars and became one of the most recognised units of the French colonial forces. Online, the formal French name has taken on a second life as a meme sound, shared in short edits where its serious, official sound contrasts with silly visuals, reaction clips and mock heroic entrances.