In 'The Addams Family,' the quote 'They're creepy and they're kooky' is immediately followed by the iconic double finger-snap. The musical foundation of this gothic legend is the harpsichord. The harpsichord is a keyboard instrument where the strings are plucked rather than struck, creating a sharp, metallic 'twang.' Historically associated with the Baroque era, it provided the film with an aristocratic yet decaying atmosphere. Composer Vic Mizzy used the instrument to give the family a sense of 'old world' eccentricity. The harpsichord's brittle sound perfectly matched the macabre humor and the stiff, formal dialogue of Gomez and Morticia Addams. It remains a legendary example of how a specific instrumental timbre can become synonymous with a franchise's brand and its most famous lyrical quotes.