There have been many such cycles, but the XML hysteria of the 00s is the worst I can think of. It lasted a long time and the square peg XML was shoved into so many round holes.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XML_appliance
E.g.
https://www.serverwatch.com/hardware/power-up-xml-data-proce...
> An XML appliance is a special-purpose network device used to secure, manage and mediate XML traffic.
Holy moly