tic 
/ˈtɪk/ noun
plural tics /ˈtɪk/ noun [count] 1 : a small repeated movement of a muscle especially in the face that cannot be controlled
▪ a facial tic 2 : a word or phrase that someone frequently says or an action that someone frequently does without intending to
▪ a nervous tic ▪ The verbal tic “you know” often occurs in her speech.
▪ a facial tic
▪ a nervous tic ▪ The verbal tic “you know” often occurs in her speech.
