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From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (27 SEP 03) : [ foldoc ]
software bloat
The result of adding new features to a program
or system to the point where the benefit of the new features
is outweighed by the extra resources consumed ({RAM, disk
space or performance) and complexity of use. Software bloat
is an instance of Parkinson's Law: resource requirements
expand to consume the resources available. Causes of software
bloat include second-system effect and creeping
featuritis. Commonly cited examples include Unix's "{ls}(1)"
command, the X Window System, BSD, Missed'em-five,
OS/2 and any Microsoft product.
[{Jargon File]
(1995-10-16)
From Jargon File (4.3.1, 29 Jun 2001) : [ jargon ]
software bloat n. The results of second-system effect or creeping
featuritis. Commonly cited examples include `ls(1)', X, BSD, and
OS/2.