Top 33 Slang For Rule – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to navigating the ever-evolving world of slang, staying up-to-date is key. “Slang For Rule” is no exception, with new terms popping up left and right. Lucky for you, our team has put together a definitive list of the trendiest and most essential slang terms that are currently ruling the internet. Get ready to up your slang game and impress your friends with this comprehensive guide!

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1. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

A set of step-by-step instructions or guidelines that must be followed in order to complete a specific task or achieve a specific outcome. SOPs are commonly used in various industries and organizations to ensure consistency and efficiency.

For example, in a workplace, a new employee might be given an SOP for how to handle customer complaints.
In a medical setting, there might be an SOP for how to properly sterilize equipment.
A military unit might have an SOP for how to respond to a specific type of enemy attack.

2. Bylaw

A rule or regulation that is specific to a particular organization, community, or location. Bylaws are typically created by a governing body and outline the rights, responsibilities, and procedures that must be followed within that specific jurisdiction.

For instance, a homeowners association might have bylaws that dictate how properties can be used and maintained.
A city might have bylaws that regulate noise levels or parking regulations.
A school might have bylaws that outline the code of conduct for students and staff.

3. Statute

A formal written law that is enacted by a legislative body. Statutes can be created at the local, state, or national level and are binding and enforceable within their respective jurisdictions.

For example, a state might have a statute that prohibits texting while driving.
A city might have a statute that regulates the sale and consumption of alcohol.
A country might have a statute that defines and punishes specific crimes.

4. Edict

A formal or authoritative order or proclamation issued by a person in a position of power or authority. Edicts are often used to establish or enforce rules and regulations within a specific jurisdiction or organization.

For instance, a king might issue an edict that changes the tax laws in his kingdom.
A company CEO might issue an edict that all employees must attend a mandatory training session.
A government official might issue an edict that temporarily closes certain businesses due to a public health emergency.

5. Dictate

To give orders or instructions with authority or finality. When used in the context of rules, “dictate” implies that the rule is being imposed or enforced without negotiation or flexibility.

For example, a teacher might dictate that all students must turn in their homework by the end of the day.
A supervisor might dictate that all employees must wear a specific uniform.
A government official might dictate that all citizens must carry identification at all times.

6. Mandate

A mandate is an official order or command issued by a person or organization in a position of authority. It is often used to refer to a directive or requirement that must be followed.

For example, a government might issue a mandate for citizens to wear masks during a pandemic.
In a workplace, a manager might give a mandate for employees to attend a training session.
A school might have a mandate that all students must wear uniforms.

7. Directive

A directive is a specific instruction or order given by someone in a position of authority. It is often used to guide actions or behavior in a particular situation.

For instance, a supervisor might give a directive for employees to complete a project by a certain deadline.
In a military setting, a commanding officer might issue a directive for soldiers to perform a specific task.
A teacher might give a directive for students to work quietly during an exam.

8. Regulation

A regulation is a rule or guideline set by a governing authority. It is often used to control or govern certain activities or behaviors.

For example, there are regulations in place for driving, such as speed limits and traffic signals.
In the financial industry, there are regulations to ensure fair and ethical practices.
A sports league might have regulations regarding player eligibility and conduct.

9. Decree

A decree is an official order or decision issued by a person or organization in a position of authority. It is often used to enforce a specific action or policy.

For instance, a judge might issue a decree in a divorce case, outlining the terms of custody and support.
In a monarchy, a king or queen might issue a decree to establish a new law.
A government might issue a decree to address a public emergency or crisis.

10. Ruling

A ruling is a formal decision or judgment made by a court or other legal authority. It is often used to settle a dispute or determine the outcome of a case.

For example, a judge might make a ruling in a criminal trial, finding the defendant guilty or not guilty.
In a civil lawsuit, a judge might issue a ruling on a motion or request from one of the parties involved.
A higher court might make a ruling to overturn or uphold a decision made by a lower court.

11. Commandment

A commandment is a moral or religious rule that is believed to be given by a higher authority and is considered to be binding on the followers of that authority. The term is often used metaphorically to refer to any guiding principle or rule that is considered to be absolute or unbreakable.

For example, “Honesty is one of the commandments that guide my actions.”
In a discussion about moral values, someone might say, “The Ten Commandments provide a set of commandments for leading a righteous life.”
A person might refer to a set of rules in a workplace as “the commandments of the office.”

12. Tenet

A tenet is a principle or belief that is held to be true or important, especially by a particular group or organization. It is a guiding rule or doctrine that serves as a foundation for the beliefs or actions of a person or group.

For instance, “Freedom of speech is a tenet of democracy.”
In a discussion about a religious faith, someone might say, “Love thy neighbor is one of the central tenets of our religion.”
A person might argue, “Respecting the environment is a tenet that every individual should follow.”

13. Maxim

A maxim is a concise and memorable saying that expresses a general truth or rule of conduct. It is a short statement that encapsulates a principle or piece of wisdom.

For example, “Actions speak louder than words” is a well-known maxim.
In a discussion about success, someone might say, “Work hard and never give up” as a maxim to live by.
A person might advise, “Don’t burn bridges” as a maxim for maintaining good relationships.

14. Precept

A precept is a general rule or principle intended to regulate behavior or thought. It is a guiding principle or guideline that serves as a basis for moral conduct or decision-making.

For instance, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” is a well-known precept.
In a discussion about ethics, someone might say, “Honesty is a precept that should be followed in all situations.”
A person might argue, “Respecting diversity is a precept that promotes inclusivity and understanding.”

15. Canon

Canon refers to a set of accepted or authoritative rules, principles, or standards for a particular field or subject. It is a body of work or a collection of texts that are considered to be authentic or genuine.

For example, the “canon of literature” refers to the collection of works that are considered to be the most important or influential in a particular language or culture.
In a discussion about music, someone might say, “Beethoven’s symphonies are part of the classical music canon.”
A person might argue, “The scientific method is a canon that guides research and discovery.”

16. Guideline

A guideline is a general rule or principle that provides direction or advice. It is a flexible rule that can be applied in various situations.

For example, when giving driving instructions, someone might say, “As a guideline, always use your turn signal when changing lanes.”
In a discussion about healthy eating, a nutritionist might offer the guideline, “Aim to fill half your plate with vegetables.”
A teacher might provide the guideline, “Try to spend at least 30 minutes each day reading for pleasure.”

17. Doctrine

Doctrine refers to a set of beliefs or principles that guide a person or group’s actions. It often has a religious or philosophical connotation.

For instance, a religious leader might preach, “Love thy neighbor as thyself” as a central doctrine.
In a political context, a party might adopt a doctrine of non-intervention in foreign affairs.
A philosopher might discuss the doctrine of utilitarianism, which states that actions should be judged by their ability to maximize overall happiness.

18. Standard operating procedure

A standard operating procedure (SOP) is a set of step-by-step instructions that outlines how a particular task or process should be done. It provides a standardized approach to ensure consistency and efficiency.

For example, in a laboratory, there may be an SOP for handling hazardous chemicals.
In a restaurant, there may be an SOP for food preparation and handling.
In a corporate setting, there may be an SOP for onboarding new employees.

19. Policy

A policy is a set of principles or guidelines that govern decision-making or behavior within a particular organization or system. It is a formalized rule that outlines what is expected or allowed.

For instance, a company might have a policy that employees must wear business attire at the office.
In a school, there may be a policy against bullying.
A government may implement a policy to promote renewable energy.

20. Dictum

Dictum refers to a formal pronouncement or authoritative statement. It is often used to refer to a short, memorable saying that expresses a general truth or principle.

For example, a famous dictum by Confucius is, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
In a legal context, a judge might issue a dictum during a court case.
A motivational speaker might share a dictum like, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”

21. Stipulation

A stipulation refers to a specific condition or requirement that must be met in order for something to happen or be considered valid. It is often used in legal or formal contexts.

For example, in a contract, there might be a stipulation that states, “Payment must be made within 30 days.”
In a negotiation, one party might propose a stipulation like, “We can agree to your terms, with the stipulation that we have final approval on the design.”
A person discussing a contest might say, “One of the stipulations for entering is that you must be at least 18 years old.”

22. Principle

A principle refers to a fundamental rule or belief that serves as a foundation for a system of thought or behavior. It is often used to describe a guiding concept or standard.

For instance, in ethics, there are principles like “do no harm” or “treat others with respect.”
In physics, the principle of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed.
A person discussing leadership might emphasize the principle of leading by example.

23. Command

A command refers to an authoritative order or instruction given by someone in a position of power or authority. It is often used in military or formal contexts.

For example, a military officer might give a command like, “Soldiers, stand at attention!”
In a workplace, a supervisor might issue a command such as, “Finish the report by the end of the day.”
A person discussing obedience might say, “A command should be followed without question.”

24. Regs

“Regs” is a shortened form of “regulations,” which refers to a set of rules or guidelines that govern a particular activity or organization. It is often used in informal or colloquial contexts.

For instance, in a school setting, there might be dress code regs that require students to wear uniforms.
In the military, soldiers must follow strict regs regarding behavior and appearance.
A person discussing government policies might say, “The new regs aim to improve environmental protection.”

25. Code

A code refers to a system of rules or principles that govern behavior or conduct. It can also refer to a set of symbols or instructions used to represent information.

For example, the legal system operates based on a code of laws.
In computer programming, a code is a set of instructions that tells the computer what to do.
A person discussing personal values might say, “I live by a code of honesty and integrity.”

26. Law

– For example, “Breaking the law can result in fines or imprisonment.”

A person discussing legal issues might say, “It’s important to understand the laws of the land.”
In a conversation about government regulations, someone might ask, “What does the law say about this situation?”

27. Standard

– For instance, “This company sets the standard for customer service.”

In a discussion about performance expectations, someone might say, “We need to meet the industry standard.”
A person might comment, “That product doesn’t meet the standard of quality I expect.”

28. Order

– For example, “The chaos was replaced with order after the new manager took charge.”

In a conversation about organizing a workspace, someone might say, “Let’s put everything in order.”
A person discussing peace and stability might argue, “Without order, society would descend into chaos.”

29. Requirement

– For instance, “A valid ID is a requirement to enter the club.”

In a discussion about job qualifications, someone might say, “A college degree is often a requirement for this position.”
A person might comment, “Meeting the minimum requirements is just the first step.”

30. Prohibition

– For example, “The prohibition of alcohol in the 1920s led to the rise of speakeasies.”

In a conversation about smoking regulations, someone might say, “There’s a prohibition on smoking in public places.”
A person discussing government policies might argue, “Prohibition often leads to the creation of black markets.”

31. Custom

A custom refers to a traditional practice or behavior that is widely accepted and followed within a particular group or society. It can also refer to a product or service that is made specifically to the preferences or specifications of an individual.

For example, “It’s a custom in our family to open presents on Christmas Eve.”
A person might say, “I ordered a custom-made suit that fits me perfectly.”
In a discussion about cultural practices, someone might mention, “Different countries have their own customs when it comes to greetings and gestures.”

32. Norm

A norm refers to a generally accepted or expected behavior or standard within a particular group or society. It represents the typical or usual way of doing things.

For instance, “It’s the norm to shake hands when meeting someone for the first time.”
In a conversation about social etiquette, someone might say, “It’s considered the norm to wait your turn in line.”
A person discussing workplace culture might mention, “Punctuality is the norm in our company.”

33. Clause

A clause refers to a specific provision or condition within a legal document or contract. It outlines a requirement or limitation that must be met in order for the agreement to be valid or enforceable.

For example, “The rental agreement includes a clause that states no pets are allowed.”
In a discussion about employment contracts, someone might say, “There’s usually a non-compete clause that prevents employees from working for a competitor.”
A person discussing the terms of a loan might mention, “The contract includes a clause that allows for early repayment without penalty.”