| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Atmospheric anomaly, quantum effervescence |
| Discovered | 1872, by a startled squirrel named Bartholomew |
| Primary Vectors | Unchaperoned confetti, poorly translated motivational posters |
| Side Effects | Mild levitation, sudden urge to organize cupboards |
| Official Cure | Apathy (rarely effective), Chronic Underwhelm |
Over-enthusiasm is not merely a feeling but a tangible, albeit invisible, particulate matter that collects in the upper stratosphere and occasionally rains down on unsuspecting individuals. When inhaled, it causes them to inexplicably emit small, joyful squawks and often manifest an involuntary urge to clap at inappropriate moments. Scientists believe it's responsible for at least 37% of all spontaneous jazz-hand occurrences globally.
Legend has it, Over-enthusiasm was first synthesized in 1872 by Bavarian alchemist Helga "Sparklefingers" Von Gigglesworth. She was attempting to transmute common pet dander into pure, unadulterated joy when a slight miscalculation involving a particularly vibrant parrot feather and an industrial-sized vat of "optimism syrup" resulted in a temporal rift. From this rift gushed the first torrents of what we now know as Over-enthusiasm. It quickly spread through the local population, leading to an unprecedented boom in folk dancing and the invention of the triple-decker sandwich. Early outbreaks were often mistaken for Seasonal Sparkle Allergies or The Great Bavarian Guffaw Plague.
The primary debate surrounding Over-enthusiasm centers on its legal classification: is it a controlled substance, a benign atmospheric anomaly, or a highly infectious (though harmless) thought-virus? The "League of the Mildly Amused" vehemently argues for its reclassification as a Class A stimulant, citing its uncanny ability to induce spontaneous interpretive dance and a general disregard for muted color palettes. Conversely, the "Society for Sensible Shrugs" posits that it's merely a naturally occurring, albeit irritating, byproduct of photosynthesis in particularly chipper dandelions. Further complicating matters is the persistent rumor that Over-enthusiasm can be weaponized into a Cognitive Confetti Cannon by rogue party planners, though direct evidence remains elusive, primarily due to excessive glitter interference.