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

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

When you pick up something interesting on the ground and you hold it for less than 5 seconds, it is ok to put it back on the ground.
jim: dude didn't you pick that off the ground?
tom: ya.
jim: then why are you putting it back on the ground? you should just put it in the trash.
tom: nah dude. inverse 5-second rule.
tom: ya.
jim: then why are you putting it back on the ground? you should just put it in the trash.
tom: nah dude. inverse 5-second rule.
by dtix July 30, 2010

this is used when, in an area their are restricted seats. if someone was to stand up you are to count to 5 before you may use their seat
tom- oh man there is no were to sit!
dick- im going to make some tea
tom- 1 2 3 4 5 my seat!
harry- ha ha now dick has no were to sit,
i love the 5 second seat rule!
dick- im going to make some tea
tom- 1 2 3 4 5 my seat!
harry- ha ha now dick has no were to sit,
i love the 5 second seat rule!
by never you mind what my name is June 30, 2008

the 5 second rule isn't even true like the food when you drop it the bacterias get on it under literally one second
You: did you try to just catch your food under 5 seconds because the 5 second rule is not true
Friend: yea?
You: because if you even drop your food the bacterias get on it in under one second even if you wipe it
Friend: yea?
You: because if you even drop your food the bacterias get on it in under one second even if you wipe it
by nicku1006 July 17, 2025
