The Rice Cooker Theory is a modern dating metaphor comparing relationship development to cooking rice in a rice cooker. It compares uncooked rice to a relationship that hasn’t cooked because the “cook” button (intentional action) was not activated.
The Rice Cooker Theory was invented and popularized on TikTok by Filipina creator Hannah Lei in a video explaining slow-burn relationships.
She also framed it as a playful formula:
R = P × I × ΔT - α
Where:
• R = Relationship
• P = Potential (chemistry)
• I = Intentional Action (confession)
• ΔT = Change in Temperature (response/effort)
• α = Assumption (miscommunication)
Metaphor Meaning:
The theory humorously suggests that relationships require consistent effort (heating), clear communication (no "sinaing" or lid issues), and intentional actions to "cook" successfully—otherwise, they "burn" or fail.
Without intentional action, a relationship remains in a pre-cooked state—analogous to rice placed in a cooker that was never switched on. Emotional heat accumulates, but transformation does not occur.
Conclusion:
Feelings don’t cook themselves.
Someone has to press the button.
The Rice Cooker Theory was invented and popularized on TikTok by Filipina creator Hannah Lei in a video explaining slow-burn relationships.
She also framed it as a playful formula:
R = P × I × ΔT - α
Where:
• R = Relationship
• P = Potential (chemistry)
• I = Intentional Action (confession)
• ΔT = Change in Temperature (response/effort)
• α = Assumption (miscommunication)
Metaphor Meaning:
The theory humorously suggests that relationships require consistent effort (heating), clear communication (no "sinaing" or lid issues), and intentional actions to "cook" successfully—otherwise, they "burn" or fail.
Without intentional action, a relationship remains in a pre-cooked state—analogous to rice placed in a cooker that was never switched on. Emotional heat accumulates, but transformation does not occur.
Conclusion:
Feelings don’t cook themselves.
Someone has to press the button.
“I thought we were a slow burn, but Rice Cooker Theory says I was just operating on assumptions.”
“Akala ko slowburn kami. Na-rice cooker theory ako beh!”
“Akala ko slowburn kami. Na-rice cooker theory ako beh!”
by rice cooker theorist December 20, 2025
Get the Rice Cooker Theory mug.A theory used by measuring the number of days in a month. If your index finger touches your knuckle of your hands, the month has 31 days, while if you touch the skin of your fist, it has 30 (with the exception of February).
Scott: Dude, how many days are there in August?
Dave: 31.
Scott: Isn't it 30?
Dave: Use the Knuckle Theory.
Dave: 31.
Scott: Isn't it 30?
Dave: Use the Knuckle Theory.
by OpeN333 October 22, 2013
Get the Knuckle Theory mug.The Axon Theory is kind of the video game versions of Jupming the Shark and Nuking the Fridge, it means that a Video Game series that has gone into major crappy meltdown.
Mortal Kombat Armageddon was the lameest 7th sequel to hit the video game shelves because of the lame fataitlies they have < so I considered this as a part of "The Axon Theory". I also name this word after one of the hoverboards in "Unreal Tournament 3".
by MikeKal August 27, 2009
Get the The Axon Theory mug.The Septum Ring Theory is a term towards leftist extremists and sexists who think they‘re always right and have an inflated ego. This heavily applies to women, but some of the pick me men also use these.
by JosephineK November 10, 2025
Get the Septum Ring Theory mug.The Wang-Baatar theory establishes a balance between energy spent on romantic relationships with other relationships in order to promote the stability of fellow women everywhere...
... with set variables...
1) Hookups (H)
2) Casual Dates (D)
3) Platonic Friends (F)
4) Friends with Benefits (B)
5) Relationship (R)
...and dependent on the combination of variables where:
B = H+ F where H or F can come first
(F + D) > or = H
The spectrum of variables:
F -- B -- H -- D -- R
... with set variables...
1) Hookups (H)
2) Casual Dates (D)
3) Platonic Friends (F)
4) Friends with Benefits (B)
5) Relationship (R)
...and dependent on the combination of variables where:
B = H+ F where H or F can come first
(F + D) > or = H
The spectrum of variables:
F -- B -- H -- D -- R
The Wang-Baatar Theory saved my life when I realized that I needed to focus on my friends more than the meaningless hookups that I have!
by moon&gwangster September 9, 2020
Get the Wang-Baatar Theory mug.A belief that a strange event or circumstance is caused by normal means and shouldnt be looked into any further even in the face of mounting evidence suggesting otherwise.
by b4zzo July 9, 2021
Get the Suspiracy Theory mug.The Ultimate Software Company that currently develops leading edge 3D games and applications. h4x t0 d4 m4x.
by n30x October 17, 2004
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