The phrase "gun meme" may bring a variety of images to mind, but in the realm of viral internet culture, one visual—and its implied sound effect-stands above the rest. While dedicated
Gun Soundboard applications offer a range of authentic weapon noises for pranks and novelty, the meme that drove the most viral demand for a sudden gunshot sound is often the "Always Has Been" Astronaut Meme.
At its core, a Gun Soundboard is a collection of audio clips featuring various firearm effects. These sound effects are indispensable for content creators, streamers, and casual users looking to punctuate a moment with dramatic, sudden, and recognizable audio. The power of these sounds lies in their immediate dramatic impact, often serving as the perfect, non-verbal punchline.
Deconstructing the Meme: Where the Gun Sounds Came From
Pinpointing the Viral Source of the Sound
While soundboards containing gun sounds have existed for years, their most recognizable context comes from the viral image known as the "Always Has Been" or "Astronaut Meme." This two-panel comic typically shows two astronauts orbiting Earth. The first astronaut discovers a shocking truth ("Wait, it's all Ohio?"), only for the second astronaut to reveal himself as a secret conspirator, aiming a handgun and delivering the iconic line, "Always has been."
The reason the implied sound from this specific meme is so famous is that it perfectly encapsulates a moment of sudden, dramatic betrayal or realization. The need for a crisp, dramatic gunshot sound effect to pair with this punchline is what ultimately fueled the creation and popularity of various dedicated soundboards.
Viral History: The "Always Has Been" Timeline
The earliest known version of the astronaut comic that features the gun was posted to the image board 4chan in August 2018.
This timeline is crucial: the original image provided a universally relatable template for sudden revelations. As the template proliferated across platforms like Reddit and Twitter, content creators quickly sought out the accompanying sound effect to enhance video versions of the joke. This immediate viral success of the image template directly contributed to the high demand and subsequent proliferation of the Gun Soundboard as a necessary tool for meme makers.
Application: Creating Dramatic Humor and Emphasis
Understanding the meme’s context is key to using a Gun Soundboard effectively. Users typically deploy these sounds to create:
- Sudden Shock or Emphasis: The sound is perfect for a jump-scare moment in a stream or podcast, signaling a shocking twist, or underscoring an abrupt action.
- The "Betrayal" Moment: Replicating the core of the Astronaut meme, the sound can signal that a trusted piece of information or expectation was incorrect all along.
- Rapid-Fire Jokes: Utilizing the soundboard for a burst of quick effects can mimic "angry typing" or create an over-the-top, cartoonish action sequence in a video.
The Enduring Legacy of the Firearm Sound Effect
The Gun Soundboard remains an iconic utility on the internet, fueled by its use in countless jokes, pranks, and the legendary "Always Has Been" meme. Its power lies in its ability to immediately inject drama, finality, or humor into any piece of content.
Ready to find the perfect dramatic audio for your next meme or stream? You can access a wide array of high-quality, instant-play sound effects, including the most sought-after gun sounds, at soundboardmax.com. While you’re there, be sure to check out the iconic
Pluh Soundboard for another dose of viral audio fun!
