6-2-1 rule

English

Alternative forms

• 621 rule

Etymology

From the numerical quantities of the three stipulations of the 6-2-1 rule.

Proper noun

the 6-2-1 rule

1. (originally furry fandom slang, informal) 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.
   • 1998 November 8, Dale Farmer, “FurCon, ConFur10, and other Cons!”, in alt.fan.furry.bleachers‎^[1] (Usenet):

     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.

   • 2009 January 25, baxil, Twitter‎^[2]:

     I failed the 6-2-1 rule in a novel way this con: almost 24 hrs. without food. Broken it before but never via starvation.

   • 2013 July 9, u/JCizle, “Going to my first convention- keeping it local and small. Any tips from con vets?”, in r/boardgames‎^[3], Reddit:

     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.

   • 2018 February 15, Kathy Wise, “Getting to Know My Brother’s Fursona at Texas Furry Fiesta”, in D Magazine‎^[4]:

     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. This is a mantra.

   • 2022 December 3, WoodyMutt, Twitter‎^[5]:

     This is your friendly reminder that energy drinks do not count in any way towards your fulfillment of the 6-2-1 rule.

Usage notes

• Unrelated to 621, a euphemism within furry fandom slang for the pornographic furry art website e621.net. This term predates the website.