tiques
1. involuntary, repetitive muscle contractions or vocalizations
He developed nervous tics after the accident.
Ele desenvolveu tiques nervosos após o acidente.
2. habitual spasmodic actions or movements, often unconscious
She has a tic of tapping her fingers on the desk.
Ela tem o tique de bater os dedos na mesa.
3. in medical context: symptoms associated with Tourette's syndrome or other neurological conditions
Motor tics are more common than vocal tics in children.
Os tiques motores são mais comuns que os vocais em crianças.
The term 'tics' is widely recognized in both American and Brazilian medical contexts. In Brazil, people often describe someone's tics as 'tiques nervosos' when they observe repetitive habits. Tourette's syndrome awareness has increased the use of this term in both cultures. It's generally a clinical or descriptive term rather than slang.
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