Swooshing is a generic sound effect rather than a clip from a film, show or meme, and it has no single known origin. Variations of the whoosh have been used for decades in radio, film and television to suggest fast movement, from a passing object to a scene change. Online, creators now use short swooshes in a similar way in videos, livestreams, presentations and games, where a brief rush of air can mark a transition without words. Its simplicity is why it remains popular: it is instantly understood, easy to place and works across almost any kind of edit.