Phonic tics (Human Phenotype Ontology id HP_0100035) can be described as follows. Tics are defined as movements or sounds that resemble physiological motor behaviors, but are typically inopportune to social context and appear sudden, repetitive, and often exaggerated. Tic vocalizations commonly termed vocal or phonic tics may include any possible sound (eg, sniffing, coughing, throat clearing, whistling, or grunting), word, or sentence and are most commonly encountered within the spectrum of primary tic disorders, as Tourette syndrome. Also known as: Verbal tics, Vocal tics.