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
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
by dixienormous994 December 07, 2010