A little superstition you do right after saying something’s going well, so you don’t jinx it. You literally tap something wooden, or at least pretend to, like you’ve just outsmarted the universe. Usually said mid-chat as a quick panic move. Honestly, it’s basically insurance for your mouth.
"Car’s been running sweet all year, touch wood. Dan starts patting the bar like a maniac, then realises it’s laminate and goes, Right, we’re absolutely stuffed then"