General
rag dolled
What does rag dolled mean?
When a wave's power tumbles and shakes a wiped-out surfer around violently underwater, limbs flailing helplessly.
"That closeout rag dolled me so hard I didn't know which way was up."
Origin
Surf slang comparing the tumbling surfer to a thrown rag doll.
Frequently asked questions
What does rag dolled mean in surfing?
It describes being tumbled and shaken around violently underwater by a wave's force, limbs flailing like a thrown rag doll.
How is rag dolled different from a normal wipeout?
A normal wipeout is just falling off; being rag dolled implies the wave overpowers you completely and throws you around helplessly underwater.
Where does the phrase come from?
From the image of a limp rag doll being thrown and tossed around with no control.
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