What Does The Sidewalk Rule Mean?
The slang term the sidewalk rule is used by female TikTokers to assess whether their current boyfriend is a suitable partner. It suggests that when a couple is walking on the sidewalk, the boyfriend should walk on the side closest to traffic, acting as a “protector” against passing cars and other street dangers. The sidewalk rule dates back to the 16th century when street waste made it necessary for the man to walk on the street side. According to TikTok and Twitter, boys who do not instinctively follow the sidewalk rule are seen as lacking in protectiveness and may not be worth keeping. However, it’s important to note that this rule is not universally recognized and should be taken with a grain of salt. If you prefer your partner to walk on the other side of the sidewalk, it’s always best to communicate your preferences rather than assuming they know the rule. Here are some examples of how to use the phrase “the sidewalk rule”:
- “He knew the sidewalk rule. Find someone who knows the sidewalk rule.”
- “When she sends you a TikTok about the sidewalk rule as if you don’t already know it.”
- “My boyfriend always walks on the street side of the sidewalk. He definitely understands the sidewalk rule.”
- “I tested my boyfriend to see if he knew the sidewalk rule, and he passed with flying colors.”
- “I told my boyfriend about the sidewalk rule, and now he always walks on the correct side of the sidewalk.”
The sidewalk rule is a playful way for TikTokers to evaluate their partners’ chivalry and protectiveness. While it may not be a universally recognized standard, it can be a fun and lighthearted way to engage with dating norms.
What Does The Sidewalk Rule Mean From a Girl?
When a girl uses the term the sidewalk rule, she is referring to a dating standard that suggests the boyfriend should walk on the side of the sidewalk closest to traffic. This rule is seen as a sign of protectiveness and chivalry. Girls use the sidewalk rule to assess whether their current boyfriend is a suitable partner.
It’s important to note that the sidewalk rule is not universally recognized and should be taken with a grain of salt. Not everyone abides by traditional courtship rules, and preferences may vary from person to person. If you prefer your partner to walk on the other side of the sidewalk, it’s always best to communicate your preferences rather than assuming they know the rule.
Girls may use the sidewalk rule in conversations with their friends or on social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter. It has become a popular standard among women dating men, and they may share their experiences or test their partners’ knowledge of the rule.
If someone mentions the sidewalk rule in a conversation with you, it’s best to take it as a playful evaluation of chivalry and protectiveness. You can respond by acknowledging the rule or sharing your own thoughts on dating norms. Remember, communication is key in any relationship, so if you have specific preferences, it’s important to express them openly and honestly.
Example 1:
- Girl A: So, I went on a date with this guy last night.
- Girl B: Oh, did he follow the sidewalk rule?
- Girl A: Yes! He walked on the side closest to the street. He’s a keeper!
Example 2:
- Girl: My boyfriend always walks on the inside of the sidewalk when we’re together.
- Friend: That’s so sweet! He definitely knows the sidewalk rule.
Example 3:
- Girl A: I was walking with my boyfriend and he automatically switched sides to be closer to the street.
- Girl B: Aw, he’s got the sidewalk rule down pat!
Example 4:
- Girl: My crush and I were walking together, and he walked on the side closest to the cars. It was such a small gesture, but it made me feel safe.
- Friend: That’s so thoughtful of him! He definitely knows about the sidewalk rule.
Example 5:
- Girl A: I saw this TikTok about the sidewalk rule, and it got me thinking about my own relationship.
- Girl B: What did you realize?
- Girl A: Well, my boyfriend never walks on the side closest to traffic. I might have to talk to him about it.
What Does The Sidewalk Rule Mean From a Guy?
When a guy uses the term the sidewalk rule, it could imply different things. It could signify a compliment to her appearance or a way of appreciating her exceptional ability. Alternatively, it could be a flirty hint that he likes her.
Here are some possible reasons why a guy might use “the sidewalk rule” towards a girl:
- He admires her appearance. If a guy says “the sidewalk rule” to a girl, it could be a compliment directed towards her appearance. He might use this phrase when she’s donning a new outfit, hair, or makeup look, or when she looks particularly attractive.
- He acknowledges her accomplishments. A guy might use “the sidewalk rule” to recognize the girl’s impressive achievements, such as giving an amazing work presentation or winning a challenging sports event.
- He is flirting with her. At times, a guy might use “the sidewalk rule” as a playful way of flirting with the girl. He may compliment her in a fun or flirtatious manner.
- He is hinting that he likes her. If a guy uses “the sidewalk rule” frequently, it could be his way of subtly hinting that he likes her. He may do this to grab her attention or show his interest in her.
If a guy said it to you and you’re trying to figure out what he meant, here are a couple of things to consider: – Consider the context of the conversation. Did he send it in response to something you said or did? Was it sent out of the blue? – Think about the relationship you have with this guy. Are you friends, dating, or in a relationship? – Pay attention to his body language and tone of voice. Does he seem serious, playful, or sarcastic?
Of course, it is entirely possible that he is using “the sidewalk rule” casually without intending it in any specific way. If you’re still unsure, just ask him what’s up and what he means when he says “the sidewalk rule.” Communication is key in any relationship, and it’s always best to clarify any confusion.
Example 1:
- Guy 1: Hey, did you see that car coming towards us?
- Guy 2: Yeah, my instinct kicked in and I gently scooted you to the other side. I totally followed the sidewalk rule!
Example 2:
- Guy 1: I just got a new job as a security guard.
- Guy 2: Nice! Now you can protect people on the sidewalk and follow the sidewalk rule professionally.
Example 3:
- Guy 1: Check out this video of me saving a squirrel from getting hit by a car.
- Guy 2: That’s awesome! You’re like the superhero of the sidewalk, always looking out for others.
Example 4:
- Guy 1: I surprised my girlfriend with a romantic walk by the beach.
- Guy 2: Did you remember to walk on the side closest to the water? The sidewalk rule applies even by the beach!
Example 5:
- Guy: I saw this elderly couple walking down the street, and the guy was walking on the side closest to traffic.
- Girl: That’s so sweet! He knows the sidewalk rule and is protecting his partner. Relationship goals right there!
Origin of The Sidewalk Rule
The origin of the phrase “the sidewalk rule” is not clear. It appears to be a modern term that has gained popularity on TikTok and Twitter. It is possible that the phrase was coined on social media platforms and has since spread among users. There is no evidence to suggest that it is a derived word or a popular typo of another word. Without further information, it is difficult to speculate on the exact origins of the phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Slangs similar to The Sidewalk Rule
The boyfriend test, chivalry assessment, protective gesture, dating norm evaluation, and partner suitability test are all similar to the sidewalk rule because they involve evaluating a partner’s behavior or suitability based on certain criteria, just like the sidewalk rule assesses a boyfriend’s chivalry and protectiveness. These terms all provide a playful or lighthearted way to engage with dating norms and expectations.
Is The Sidewalk Rule A Bad Word?
No, the sidewalk rule is not a bad word or vulgar word. It is a term used to describe a dating rule where the man walks on the side of the sidewalk closest to traffic to protect the woman from passing cars and other street dangers. It has gained popularity on TikTok as a way to judge whether a boyfriend is a keeper.
Is The Sidewalk Rule a Typo or Misspelling?
The phrase “the sidewalk rule” is not a misspelling or typo. It refers to a dating norm where the boyfriend walks on the side of the sidewalk closest to traffic to protect the girlfriend from passing cars and other street dangers.
