The Rimshot.

When a talk show host* or guest says something particularly funny, short, and witty, the drummer of the house band often acknowledges that moment with a rimshot (a different form of rimming; get your head out of the gutter).

The rimshot isn't scripted and it's not rehearsed. Rather, the rimmy exists as a rare moment, often in a live setting, that elevates the level of a clever remark above the already humorous environment the remark originated from, and thus achieving a level of unparralled funny.

Notice though, all the while, this whole scenario rests upon the shoulders of a drummer. A person who's musical career probably began with a civilized instrument, say, a piano, and quickly turned toward making as much noise as humanly possible because ADHD has its way with them.

Let it be known that the drummer does not simply give away rimshots to anyone; a rimshot is earned. But, if it should be the drummer with the ultimate decision resting at their fingertips, who's to say that drummers are the best judge of not just funny, but extra-funny?

I'm left to believe that drummers - not critics, comedians, writers, producers, editors, dead babies, or clowns - determine what it means for something to be funny.



*Jimmy Fallon doesn't get rimshots, he gets rimjobs, from guys. I said it!