DCHP-3

twack

DCHP-2 (Jul 2016)
n. — Newfoundland

a person who browses in a store and does not buy anything; a window-shopper.

Type: 3. Semantic Change — The EDD lists the definition of the verb twack as 'to turn quickly; to change one's opinion' and marks it as obsolete (see EDD, s.v. "twack"); it is possible that the nominal meaning of twack in Newfoundland and Labrador English, namely 'a window-shopper', derives from this meaning. Accordingly, a person who twacks (see meaning 2) is seen as someone who is "unable to make up [his or her] mind on simple choices" (see the 1990 quotation). Thus, twack may be both a preservation and semantic change from this British English meaning. Note that the earliest attestation is in its nominal form (see the 1919 quotation). The EDD classifies the term as obsolete (see EDD, s.v. "twack") - around 1900 - which is an argument for a semantic change in Newfoundland English of a term that, in England, was on its way out. NLE is considered as conservative, (see, e.g., Clarke 2010b: 102-103), yet this example shows the innovative potential that is inherent in any variety, no matter how traditional it may be.
See also DNE, s.v. "twack" (n), EDD, s.v. "twack", labels the term as "Obs." and "e.An" (East Anglia).

Quotations

1919
There's nothing so exasperating as fifteen women strolling in to buy a goose, or dancing-master, or automobile made of tin, at half-past nine on Eve of Xmas, such twacks as these make Xmas blue, such pests as these deserve the treatment so well prescribed by Everett True. So do your shopping in the morning; we'll treat you right, just there and then; at night-time in the family circle, sing Peace on Earth Good Will to men.
1937
TWACK. An importunate shop searcher who buys nothing, but wastes the clerk's time.
1990
P 76-76 [twack] A woman who is unable to make up her mind on simple choices especially in the store.
2006
Twack A shopper who looks over all the commodities but buys nothing.
2v., verbal n. — Newfoundland

to browse in a store without buying; to window-shop.

Type: 3. Semantic Change — Based on written attestations, it appears the the verb "to twack" is derived from the noun (see meaning 1), via the process of conversion. Note that the action of twacking is stated to be more fitting for a leisurely occasion (see the 2005 quotations) with time to spare (e.g on a weekend) (see NL Tourism reference).
See also DNE, s.v. "twack" (v).

Quotations

1955
ENGLISH 37 [twack] to examine goods and buy nothing
2001
"When I first moved here, she kept saying, 'I'm going twacking,' " Bates says. "I was afraid to ask what twacking was. I thought it might be gambling or something." When Bates learned twacking is a Newfoundland expression for window-shopping, she knew she was on to something.
2005
There are people who obviously like to wander through malls, but I am not one of them. For me, shopping is driven by purpose, and the less time I have to spend searching, the happier I am. The exception is twacking through flea markets and consignment stores - there, one can be inspired by the tacky, the strange and the loved.
2005
As parents, we had an extremely close and loving relationship with Matthew and we did everything together - nightly homework assignments, movies and hockey on the weekends, evenings when Matthew would request his nightly foot massage while watching TV, playing Crazy 8s before bed, "twacking" around - going from mall to mall, with a must stop at Sport Chek, listening to his latest musical conquest - a song he learned to played by ear, were just some of the activities we shared.
2007
Looking for the perfect pair of black boots [...] I don't often twack for fun. I do not twack in Toronto in the winter.
2010
Twack (window shop) your way through the colourful clapboard shops and eateries perched throughout hilly downtown St. John's these days and you'll see the difference the booming oil industry has made since Newfoundland became an oil-rich "have" province in 2008.
2012
However, if you are fed up with it all, you can get in sync with others in 65 countries, stay away for the day and celebrate it as - Buy Nothing Day! That day was inspired by the Vancouverite Ted Dawe and was first celebrated in Mexico in 1992. [...] So, in the true Newfoundland spirit, tomorrow can be celebrated as - Twack Friday.

References