The "That Was Easy" sound is one of the most recognizable and enduring audio memes in pop culture. It is a short, distinct voice clip-the simple, almost dismissive phrase, "That was easy"-used to signal a successful, effortless, or unexpectedly simple completion of a task.
This sound's fame stems from its origin in a widespread commercial campaign, which created a physical item that people could buy, turning a simple advertisement into a timeless internet joke. It has become a staple for content creators looking to add a quick, punchy moment of humor or emphasis to their videos and livestreams.
The Definitive Story: Origin and Meaning of the Famous Sound
Where Did This Famous Sound Clip Truly Originate?
The source of the "That Was Easy" sound is the Staples "Easy Button."
Staples, the multinational office supply retail company, created the Easy Button as the centerpiece of a major advertising campaign. The goal of the campaign was to emphasize how simple and convenient it was for customers to get the supplies they needed. The actual button was a large, red physical device sold in stores that, when pressed, would play the now-iconic voice recording.
For those seeking an extra layer of trivia and expertise, the voice actor who provided the famous "That was easy" line is widely reported to be Mike Shapiro, a renowned voice actor also known for his role as the enigmatic G-Man in the Half-Life video game series.
How Did the 'Easy Button' Sound Go Viral?
While the Staples campaign was a major success throughout the 2000s, the "Easy Button" achieved true viral status in the digital age. The physical button was easily repurposed and became a popular gag, often used ironically to mark solutions to complicated problems. This naturally transitioned into a digital asset: the That Was Easy Soundboard was born.
The sound clip became ubiquitous in the gaming community, on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, and in general meme culture, allowing anyone to instantly inject the same comedic timing into their digital content without needing the physical device.
Perfect Situations for Using the 'That Was Easy' Audio Clip
The power of the "That Was Easy" audio lies in its versatility and humor. It is typically used in situations to create comedy or highlight a moment of accomplishment:
- Irony: The most common use is when a task was not easy at all, but the person pretends it was (e.g., struggling with a boss in a video game for hours and then finally beating it).
- Genuine Triumph: Celebrating a quick, genuine victory or solving a tricky problem on the first try.
- Mockery: Adding a layer of sarcasm to a friend's over-complicated method for a simple task.
Wrapping Up the 'That Was Easy' Phenomenon
The "That Was Easy" sound has secured its place in the meme hall of fame. From a corporate marketing gimmick to an internet soundboard staple, its simple, iconic message continues to deliver a satisfying moment of comedy and closure.
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Monte Soundboard, for all your creative needs.
