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wetsuit

What does wetsuit mean?

A neoprene suit worn to stay warm in cold water, often just called 'rubber', sometimes paired with a hood and booties.

"You'll need a full wetsuit out there, the water's freezing."

Origin

Neoprene wetsuit developed in the 1950s, quickly adopted by surfers.

Frequently asked questions

How does a wetsuit keep you warm?
The neoprene traps a thin layer of water against your skin that your body heats up, insulating you from the cold sea.
What do surfers call a wetsuit?
Often just 'rubber' or, in Australian slang, a 'wettie'; a full-length one is a 'steamer' or 'full suit'.
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Slang definitions: FreeDict original editorial.