The Jargon File (version 4.4.7, 29 Dec 2003):
software bloat
n.
The results of second-system effect or creeping featuritis. Commonly
cited examples include ls(1), X, BSD, and OS/2.
The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):
software bloat
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)