Glossary Entry: Ragdoll physics

3D models usually have virtual "bones" that tell the figure where and how it's allowed to bend. When these are disabled, the model will collapse and flop around like a deflated balloon. This is known as "ragdoll physics", after the way rag doll toys will flop around instead of standing on their own.

Ragdolling is often used as a means of censuring violence: enemies who are killed switch off their rigid joints, fall into a heap, and roll around the local environment.

Personally, I'm not sure if this actually makes the violence less graphic, but it does usually lower the game's rating.