This article focuses on the use of metadiscursive expressions and discourse particles that are produced in great numbers by two groups of Montreal French speakers in different time periods and that have generally been regarded as language ticks. Elements of the first group make explicit the conscious state of speakers with respect to their language production; elements of the second group illustrate the fleeting and unstable character of language modes. Analyzing the elements of both groups, the question of language awareness is addressed as is the evolution of discourse particles that are an indication of this awareness. Data are from three sociolinguistic corpora created successively over time with the same Montreal francophone speakers. Analysis reveals that while both frequency and the choice of particles vary with time, all of the speakers produce them and their production increases with age, regardless of sex or socioprofessional status. (Contains 11 references.) (Author/VWL)