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
Get the 5 second rulemug. 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
Get the 5 Second Rulemug. 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 9, 2004
Get the 5 second rulemug. by Dragoon 1337 April 10, 2005
Get the 5 second rulemug. 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
Get the 5 second rulemug. 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 20, 2009
Get the IM 5 second rulemug. 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
Get the 5 Second Rulemug.