In PL/I, one striking element was the unrestricted conversion of data regardless of type - clandestine, behind the programmer's back. No "strong type checking" at all, post-modern "anything goes" instead.

And the attempt of the compilers to correct syntax errors automatically! Apparently a great  idea, and probably with sophisticated algorithms.
But to describe the result - a German word (cololoqual language) is appropriate: verschlimmbessern = to improve to the worse.