Never watched Firefly and didn’t know it originated there. I thought it was from the military (going to your bunk), but for similar reasons that were explained above.
I was absolutely positive you guys were wrong, so I went over to Google groups (my default pop culture reference search spot) to check it out. But…
Indeed the very first use found was from Jul 24, 2003 citing you know what.
Wow.
I’ll be in my cot of shame.
Same here–in fact I only saw Firefly early this year, via Netflix. (Loved it; watched the whole series and the movie in the space of about a week.) But the meaning of the “bunk” phrase was always obvious, so it had never occurred to me that it was a specific reference.
I knew it was from Firefly, which I first saw in…I guess 2005? Something like that. Before Serenity (which I saw in previews) came out.
I just wanted to add that I do see it in other places, but mostly they are very nerd-friendly. It’s not just here on the SDMB.
Places like here? 
I’ve seen it often on FARK.
I’m usually the last person to hear of any Internet meme.
This is a case in point. I never heard of this phrase until this thread!
It’s can’t be the “twixt my nethers” line because that was in the movie and Jayne uses the phrase in the TV series which preceded it.
Jayne whips it out whenever something even vaguely sexual is said, particularly involving two women, just before he disappears. Presumably, he is exiting the scene to go to his bunk, as stated.
I’ve never seen Firefly so I did not know the origin of this obnoxious SDMB catchphrase. Thanks to this thread I can now add it to the list of reasons why I hate Joss Whedon.
It’s a sign of your own worth sometimes if you are hated by the right people.
-Miles Franklin
Do you also hate Christmas and kick puppies?
In case anyone was wondering what the #1 item on my list was, it’s the fanatical behavior of certain members of Mr. Whedon’s fan base.
FWIW I have no problem with those of you who simply enjoy Whedon’s work and aren’t annoying about it. I’m sure there are things I like that you think are awful. I don’t have any interest in converting his fans, and believe me, I never would have opened this thread if I’d realized it had anything to do with Joss Whedon.
It’s still an obnoxious catchphrase though, and I’d be happy to see it fade away. It’s not automatically funny just because it’s a line from a TV show, people.
'Make sure you use some Thread Toilet Paper to clean up from your Threadshitting.
I thought it was funny long before I learned it was from a TV show. Still do. I find most oblique references to masturbation, breasts, or flatulence to be funny.
Neither the title nor the OP indicated that this was a Firefly fan thread, or that people who didn’t like the catchphrase shouldn’t reply. I note you didn’t even bother to answer the OP’s question, so of the two of us I’m the only one who’s been at all on-topic here.
But don’t worry, I won’t interrupt the lovefest any longer. It’s getting late here anyway and I’ve got work in the morning, so I’ll be in…my bunk. :smack:
I have no idea if it’s related, but in It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), There’s this exchange as the sexy Violet walks by (pertinent part by Bert the cop bolded):
Little Violet: Good afternoon Mr. Bailey.
George Bailey: Hello, Violet.
George Bailey: Hey, you look good, that’s some dress you got on there.
Little Violet: This old thing? Why, I only wear it when I don’t care how I look.
Ernie Bishop: How would you like to take…
George Bailey: -Yes.
Ernie Bishop: Want to come along, Bert? We’ll show you the town.
Bert: No, thanks… I think I’ll go home and see what the wife’s doing.
Ernie Bishop: Family man.
(I’ve never heard of Firefly.)
I absolutely MUST have the large coffee mug for work, simply because I would bet my Jayne hat that nobody, nobody there at all would ‘get’ it, or have a clue what it’s from, and would also be confused if I tried to explain it. 
So…I just won’t.
And if somebody does go ‘OOOOOOH!’ and knows where it’s from, then I’ll finally have connected with someone here in the desert. >.<
That’s a lot of bunk!
I could have sworn it was a line from a Duran Duran song, you know, that one about South America.
Did you not notice in the OP that AuntiePam originally thought the SDMB made it up? The line has transcended where it’s originally come from and is often just appreciated now because its funny. As this thread shows, a lot of people have no idea where it came from and just find it funny.
You’re right, its not. Its funny because its funny. There’s no need to be condescending about it.