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
Waiting five seconds to reply to someone to give the impression that you haven't been waiting for their reply
Tom: Why haven't you replied to her already
Tim: IM 5 second rule
Tom: Oh so she doesn't think you're obsessed with her.
Tim: IM 5 second rule
Tom: Oh so she doesn't think you're obsessed with her.
by Someone1234567891011121314 June 21, 2009
The rule that states if any edible object should touch the ground it may still be eaten if picked up within 5 seconds. (No matter how nasty the ground or surface may be.)
Tanisha dropped an M&M on the wet and dirty bathroom floor but ate it anyway claiming it was safe due to the 5 second rule.
by Anthony July 11, 2004
The rule that applies to lost or fallen objects, typically food, that hits the floor. The rule applies to general areas, and does not apply to anything in a bathroom. Using this rule makes it OK to pick up said object in under 5 seconds, under the presumption that no germs attached themselves in such a short period of time.
If your gum just dropped on the floor, pick it up and say "5 Second Rule", then place it back in your mouth.
by Mac the Movieguy July 10, 2004
by dixienormous994 December 7, 2010