Lack of Intelligible Speech

From Homestar Runner Wiki

A few characters, as well as their respective counterparts in 1936 and 20X6, have an apparent lack of intelligible speech. However, the audience is usually able to understand the basics what these characters attempt to communicate, either through their actions and facial expressions, through other intelligible-speaking characters' reactions, or, rarely, through on-screen subtitles.

• The Cheat speaks only in squeaks and animal-sounding grunts and yelps. In cheat talk, after failing to get him to say something normal like "Douglas", it is suggested that the viewers have to learn how to speak "The Cheat". Subequently, in an easter egg of that same email, a short recording teaches a few phrases of the indecipherable language. The Cheat's old-timey conunterpart, The Sneak, communicates only by wiggling his nose, and his 20X6 counterpart, Cheatball, is only able to say his own name.
• Pom Pom speaks through bubbles-sounding speech. like The Cheat, every character shows a clear and definitive understanding of his speech. This is shown in situations such as his conversations over his cell phone. In A Jumping Jack Contest, Strong Bad attempts to pose as Pom Pom by, among other things, mimicking his speech: "Hey, give me that! Uh, I mean — bubble, bubble-dee-bubble. Dubble Bubble." Pom Pom's old-timey counterpart, Fat Dudley, speaks by singing a simple "bo-bo-bo" tune. His 20X6 counterpart, Pan Pan, has not yet spoken at all.
• Sherlock, the helicoper/cow from Strong Bad's Sweet Cuppin' Cakes, speaks only through indistinct mumbling. No other character has shown or demonstrated the ability to understand what Sherlock has ever "said".
• The Poopsmith has been noted as having taken a vow of silence, but is still able to communicate in some ways. An ironic example of this was when, in senior prom The Poopsmith was noted as the lead vocalist of All the King's Men, as the vocalist. Since, unlike other characters, The Poopsmith makes no vocal sounds at all, he seems to communicate mainly in the form of gestures such as shrugs of the shoulders and thumbs-up; additionally, in the show, he communicated by holding up a written sign. In different town, Strong Bad claimed that one thing he would change about his town is that "the Poopsmith ... could talk".