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. Commonwealth hackers
report a similar convention involving the `fish/bang' balance. See
also talk mode.
