<img src="https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/p?c1=2&amp;c2=36750692&amp;cv=3.6.0&amp;cj=1"> How Does Wednesday Addams Understand Thing Without Sign Language?
Something went wrong. Try again, or if the problem persists.
Your details are incorrect, or aren't in our system yet. Please try again, or sign up if you're new here.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and of Service apply.
Create a GAMURS
By g up, you agree to our and of Service.
Something went wrong. Try again, or if the problem persists.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and of Service apply.
Choose a name
Choose a unique name using 3-30 alphanumeric characters.
Something went wrong. Try again, or if the problem persists.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and of Service apply.
Choose your preferences
Choose how we communicate with you, opt out at anytime.
Something went wrong. Try again, or if the problem persists.
Check your email
An confirmation link was sent to your email. Don't forget to check your spam!
Enter the email address you used when you ed and we'll send you instructions to reset your .
If you used Apple or Google to create your , this process will create a for your existing .
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and of Service apply.
Reset instructions sent. If you have an with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or if the problem persists.
Image via Netflix

How does Wednesday Addams understand Thing without sign language?

Fans still can't get their heads around how Wednesday and others in the show are able to communicate with Thing.

As with many movies and television series, especially ones that are set in a fantastical world, there are going to be elements that we just have to get on board with. Magic is real, dragons exist, Adam Sandler is somehow able to pull every hot woman on earth, we just have to suspend our disbelief. But in the hit Netflix show Wednesday, fans still can’t seem to wrap their heads around how she communicates with Thing.

Recommended Videos

There are many strange, wonderful, and quirky things that come with being a member of the Addams family, including, well… Thing. In the Netflix series, the monsters of legend all exist with werewolves, sirens, gorgons, shapeshifters, and psychics all appearing to live together at Nevermore Academy as outcasts from society. We see that Wednesday has inherited her mother’s psychic abilities, albeit a darker and much more dangerous version (which we are sure she much prefers).

These things many viewers will take in their stride, but they are still baffled by the characters’ ability to communicate with Thing. The character plays a much larger role in the Netflix show than it ever has in past iterations, taking on the role of Wednesday’s accomplice, her right hand if you will (pun absolutely intended). We see Wednesday reasoning with it, arguing with it, and caring for it throughout the series, making it as important as all the other characters.

On top of this, there are certainly moments where Thing makes its feelings very well known.

Image via Netflix

Given that it is simply a disembodied hand, it is rather hard to see how anyone could communicate with it. It cannot speak, and even sign language usually requires the use of two hands. There are examples of g with only one hand, with American Sign Language able to adapt in many cases to just one hand. This would still be very difficult to convey on screen though, and fans have their own theories.

Some people believe it is just a talent that the of the Addams family possess.

Comment
by from discussion
inWednesday

Though, in the Netflix series, other students at the school, especially Enid, are also able to communicate with Thing.

Comment
by from discussion
inWednesday

With the amount of hand gesticulating going on, this is sure that Thing is somehow Italian.

Comment
by from discussion
inWednesday

A few people are pretty sure that the movements were inspired by sign language as a basis, with a little “ooooohhh, magic” thrown on top.

Comment
by from discussion
inWednesday

There are times where Thing does tap things out, making this believe that a form of Morse code is being used.

Comment
by from discussion
inWednesday

Though others feel it will remain a mystery.

Comment
by from discussion
inWednesday

In reality, Wednesday star, Jenna Ortega, has discussed how Thing’s “language” came to be telling Screen Rant,

“It was so funny, because the Thing language was just made up on the day. Every day we’d show up and go, ‘Ahhh…’ (hand motions) ‘That looks right. I feel like I kind of know what he’s saying.'” 

It would appear then that there is no specific language being used, though likely a combination of trying to make it seem like there was a form of sign language and morse code being used. Of course, this doesn’t answer the question of how the character in the show is able to understand it. I guess we just have to put it down to magic.

But I think we are missing the bigger and more confounding question here… how does Thing understand everyone else? It has no ears to hear what people say, no eyes to read their lips. It’s just a hand, so whilst understanding its movements and g is one thing, understanding how it receives information is a whole other kettle of fish.


We Got This Covered is ed by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small commission. Learn more about our Policy
More Stories To Read
Author
Image of Laura Pollacco
Laura Pollacco
Laura Pollacco is Freelance Writer at We Got This Covered and has been deep diving into entertainment news for almost a full year. After graduating with a degree in Fashion Photography from Falmouth University, Laura moved to Japan, then back to England, and now back to Japan. She doesn't watch as much anime as she would like but keeps up to date with all things Marvel and 'Lord of the Rings'. She also writes about Japanese culture for various Tokyo-based publications.