1. [n]  fanciful but graceful asymmetric ornamentation in art and architecture that originated in France in the 18th century
2. [adj]  having excessive asymmetrical ornamentation; "an exquisite gilded rococo mirror"

1. \Ro*co"co\, n. [F.; of uncertain etymology.]
   A florid style of ornamentation which prevailed in Europe in
   the latter part of the eighteenth century.
   

2. \Ro*co"co\, a.
   Of or pertaining to the style called rococo; like rococo;
   florid; fantastic.
   

Baroque in the extreme. Used to imply that a program has become so encrusted with the software equivalent of gold leaf and curlicues that they have completely swamped the underlying design. Called after the later and more extreme forms of Baroque architecture and decoration prevalent during the mid-1700s in Europe. Alan Perlis said: "Every program eventually becomes rococo, and then rubble."

Compare critical mass.

[Jargon File]