Fog horns have long been used at sea to warn other vessels when visibility is poor, and that real-world purpose gives the recorded blast its familiar, authoritative feel. As a short sound effect, it has been reused across videos, streams, and memes whenever a creator wants an instant sense of scale, danger, or mock importance. Its low pitch cuts through other audio without needing words, which is why it works just as well for a serious reveal as for an absurd, over-the-top joke.