The Jargon File (version 4.4.7, 29 Dec 2003):
bonk/oif
/bonk/, /oyf/, interj.
In the U.S. MUD community, it has become traditional to express pique or
censure by bonking the offending person. Convention holds that one should
acknowledge a bonk by saying ?oif!? and there is a myth to the effect that
failing to do so upsets the cosmic bonk/oif balance, causing much trouble
in the universe. Some MUDs have implemented special commands for bonking
and oifing. Note: in parts of the U.K. ?bonk? is a sexually loaded slang
term; care is advised in transatlantic conversations (see boink).
Commonwealth hackers report a similar convention involving the ?fish/bang?
balance. See also talk mode.
The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):
bonk/oif
/bonk/, /oyf/ In the MUD community, it has become
traditional to express pique or censure by "bonking" the
offending person. Convention holds that one should
acknowledge a bonk by saying "oif!" and there is a myth to the
effect that failing to do so upsets the cosmic bonk/oif
balance, causing much trouble in the universe. Some MUDs have
implemented special commands for bonking and oifing.
[Jargon File]
(1998-01-18)