Rimshot

A rimshot is the sound produced by hitting the rim of a snare drum with a drum stick. This effect is commonly used in comedy to punctuate a joke, especially an obvious one. As a result, a particularly obvious laugh line is itself sometimes called a rimshot.

The effect is often accompanied by a cymbal crash, which may also be considered part of the rimshot sequence. If the drummer strikes both the head of the drum and the rim, this is also typically considered a rimshot.

Here is a sound clip of a stereotypical rimshot you might expect to hear at a comedy club.