The Three Stooges were an American slapstick comedy trio whose short films, led by Moe, Larry and Curly, made exaggerated physical reactions a central part of their humour. Teeth chattering fitted that style perfectly, turning cold, fright or nervous anticipation into an audible gag that needed no explanation. As their shorts entered television reruns and later online clips, that kind of broad reaction sound became a familiar shorthand for comic panic. Modern editors still reach for it because the rhythm is instantly recognisable, even to viewers who have never seen a Stooges short.