'over-elaboration' originates from the prefix 'over-' meaning 'excessive' and the word 'elaboration' from Latin 'elaborare', where 'e-' meant 'out' and 'laborare' meant 'to work'.

'elaborare' transformed into the French word 'élaborer', and eventually became the modern English word 'elaborate', with 'over-' added to indicate excess.

Initially, it meant 'to work out in detail', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'excessive detail'.