The tacit requirement in ultra-clean American society that dropped food must not lay upon the ground for longer than five seconds in order to be still edible. Certain requirements about food type (i.e., non-sticky or attracting of dirt particles) generally apply.
by quetzalphoenix July 10, 2004
A long standing rule in which any food which is dropped on the floor/ground is still "good" and edible if it was only in contact with the surface for less than 5 seconds. Incorporated mainly by clumsy children but is often used by teenagers and adults as well.
"Dude, this hotdog is awesome....damn, I dropped it on the ground. No big deal, its still good takes a big bite, 5 second rule!! mumbles with mouth full"
by zebo2k July 11, 2004
Bill: drinks anyone
ben: Beer please
Gail: tea
Ron: Coffee
Rob: Lemonade
Bill: okies
Rob: 5..4...3...2...1..0 JAcked
Bill: wat you going in my chair
Rob: 5 Second rule mate
ben: Beer please
Gail: tea
Ron: Coffee
Rob: Lemonade
Bill: okies
Rob: 5..4...3...2...1..0 JAcked
Bill: wat you going in my chair
Rob: 5 Second rule mate
by Checken April 15, 2008
when it is okay to pick up a pick of food or candy from the floor if it has been on the floor for 5 seconds or less, as if germs and filth cannot adhere to an edible morsel during that time frame
by Winsi July 10, 2004
by Dragoon 1337 April 10, 2005
when you drop something (usually food) you have five seconds to pick it up or you no longer can eat it.
by Maleaya July 10, 2004
When you drop food on the floor and it takes you longer than 5 seconds to pick it up, you shout a random number larger than 5.
by kj7771 May 19, 2008