The sound is commonly identified online as a Kenny scream, referring to Kenny McCormick from the animated TV series South Park. Kenny became one of the show's most recognizable characters because of his muffled voice, constant danger and frequent over-the-top deaths. Short scream clips tied to him spread through soundboards, meme edits and reaction videos because they deliver instant cartoon panic in under two seconds. It remains popular as a quick audio cue for pain, surprise or disaster.