Dictionary

6-2-1 rule en · PROPN

Pronunciation

• /sɪks.tu.wʌn.ɹuːl/ (UK, US)
• (US) audio

Etymology

From the numerical quantities of the three stipulations of the 6-2-1 rule. Popularised by the furry fandom, and in use since as early as 8 November 1998 (see quotations); despite multiple claims suggesting that the 6-2-1 rule was devised by a physician or other doctor, and that it potentially originated in the science fiction community, this is unverified.

Meanings

1. (informal, slang) A guideline for hygienic and healthy conduct while attending a multi-day convention, stipulating at minimum six hours of sleep per night, two meals per day, and one shower every day.
   • The famed "6-2-1 rule" for conventions means 6 hours sleep, 2 meals, and 1 shower a day. Many mock-shock tales have been told about the offending con-goer who clears the crowd after failing to heed the rule. 2022 January 24, Patch O'Furr, “Smells like a furry con: HUFFaromas creates erotic fragrances like Werewolf Balls”, in Dogpatch Press, archived from the original on 27 Jan 2022:
   • He is a full-time student, a part-time employee at a book store, a volunteer at a youth center, and a full-time stAFFer. Sam would like to remind everyone of the "6-2-1 Rule"^([sic]) of convention-going. 2008, “Samwise”, in All Fur Fun 2008, All Fur Fun, page 24:
   • All of the other suggestions are great (especially 6-2-1 rule) but also think about packing some midday snacks. Not having to dish out for expensive food at the location can help make up for the cost of staying closer. 2013 July 9, u/JCizle, “Going to my first convention- keeping it local and small. Any tips from con vets?”, in r/boardgames, Reddit, archived from the original on 24 May 2026:
   • Hey, pardner! Are ya followin' the 6-2-1 rule? With Day 2 comin' to an end, make sure you're takin' good care of yerself. 2026 May 24, @furlandia.bsky.social, Bluesky, archived from the original on 24 May 2026:
   • Also remember the 6-2-1 rule for convention survival. At any given time, within the last 24 hours you should have had six hours of sleep, two good meals, and one shower. Clean clothes every day also. Over-indulgance in alcohol or other drugs is a bad thing. 1998 November 8, Dale Farmer, “FurCon, ConFur10, and other Cons!”, in alt.fan.furry.bleachers (Usenet), archived from the original on 10 Jan 2024:
   • The 6-2-1 rule is standard. Fursuiters are easy to distract, so they sometimes need to be reminded of the basics of life during FurCons. 2018 February 15, Kathy Wise, “Getting to Know My Brother’s Fursona at Texas Furry Fiesta”, in D Magazine, archived from the original on 19 Jul 2018:
   • As a friendly reminder, please remember the 6-2-1 rule: 6 hours of sleep, 2 full meals, and 1 shower per day at an absolute minimum to ensure you and everyone else have a great time! 2013, Andrew Hayes, editor, BronyCAN: Official Convention Guide, BronyCAN, page 4:
   • They are using the newsletters to lecture people on how to be civilized. Tip the waiters, tip the hotel maids, don't move walls, and yesterday they were giving the 6-2-1 rule. Every day, 6 hours of sleep, 2 meals, and 1 shower. Some of these folks look like its^([sic]) 6 meals for every 2 hours of sleep! 2002 September 2, fossilfreak [Jan Yarnot], “Dead Dog”, in Mossyrocks News, GeoCities, archived from the original on 07 Oct 2002:
   • The 6-2-1 rule for cons, of course, is each day you should get a minimum of 6 hours of sleep, 2 meals, and 1 shower. The above referenced article is about a prescription drug, intended for narcoleptics, that seems to allow folk to stay awake for 40 hours or so with minimal other effects, at least in the short term. 2002 September 23, Tom Galloway, “So much for the 6-2-1 rule's 6”, in rec.arts.sf.fandom (Usenet), archived from the original on 24 May 2026:

Forms

Synonyms

621

wikipedia: furry fandom