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. 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 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 10, 2004
Get the 5 second rulemug. by dixienormous994 December 7, 2010
Get the DJ 5 Second Rulemug.