The '???? PROFIT!!!!' meme, also known as the Underpants Gnomes meme, originated from the 1998 South Park episode 'Gnomes.' In the episode, a group of gnomes steals underpants with a grand business plan that completely lacks a middle step, jumping from 'Collect Underpants' to 'Profit' without explanation. This satirical take on flawed business logic and dot-com era irrationality became a foundational internet trope. It is widely used to mock startup pitches, political strategies, or any plan that involves a massive logical leap or a mysterious 'Phase 2' that somehow guarantees success.