Used of programs or systems that are both conspicuous hogs
(owing perhaps to poor design founded on brute force and
ignorance) and exceedingly hairy in source form. An
elephantine program may be functional and even friendly, but
(as in the old joke about being in bed with an elephant) it's
tough to have around all the same (and, like a pachyderm,
difficult to maintain). In extreme cases, hackers have been
known to make trumpeting sounds or perform expressive
proboscatory mime at the mention of the offending program.
Usage: semi-humorous. Compare "has the elephant nature" and
the somewhat more pejorative monstrosity. See also
second-system effect and baroque.
[Jargon File]
Nearby terms:
elegant « element « elephant « elephantine » elevator controller » ELF » ELI
