1 : a ticking or tapping beat like that of a clock or watch. 2 : a contrivance used by children to tap on a window from a distance.

What does the slang word tick mean?

Definition of what makes (someone) tick

: the things that cause someone to behave a certain way : the feelings, opinions, concerns, etc., that are parts of someone's personality I've always wondered what makes people like that tick.

What does tick-tock mean slang?

Used to indicate that time is running out (for someone or something). Alludes to the traditional sound created by the mechanisms within a mechanical clock. Tick-tock, Jeffrey! ... It's just a matter of time before the whole system collapses again. Tick-tock, tick-tock.