Tics are characterized by:

Tics are indeed characterized by sudden and nonrhythmic movements or sounds. They can manifest as motor tics, which involve movements such as blinking, head jerking, or facial grimacing, or vocal tics, which can include sounds like throat clearing or grunting. The hallmark of tics is their abrupt onset, and they are often seen as involuntary and can vary in frequency and intensity. Unlike slow or rhythmic movements, tics are typically quick and can be suppressed temporarily, but this often leads to an increase in occurrence once the suppression is lifted. This distinguishes them from more coordinated movements, as well as from simple vocalizations, which do not encompass the full range of tic disorders that include both motor and vocal components.