In today’s digital age, internet slang has become an ever-evolving language of its own, and it’s not just limited to the usual platforms like Twitter or Instagram.
TikTok, Twitch, and YouTube have also played significant roles in the creation and spread of these quirky phrases that often leave outsiders scratching their heads.
One such term that has recently gained momentum, especially among Gen Alpha, is the enigmatic “Fanum tax.”
If you’ve come across this term and found yourself wondering what it means, or even if you’ve heard it in a conversation and couldn’t quite make sense of it, you’re not alone.
The term has puzzled even some members of Gen Z and millennials, the very generations who are typically in tune with the ever-changing world of social media slang.
In this article, we’ll explore the origins of the phrase, its meaning, and how it’s used in modern online culture.
We’ll also break down some common examples, explain their variations, and offer a clearer understanding of how this quirky term became a part of internet vernacular.
The Birth of “Fanum Tax”
At first glance, “Fanum tax” might seem like another random internet term thrown around by young people online, but its origin is actually tied to a specific individual in the world of online streaming.
The phrase was coined by Fanum, a well-known Twitch streamer and one of the members of the influencer group AMP (A Million Pound).
In 2022, Fanum began using the phrase as part of a playful running joke during his live-streams. The gag involved him taking a small portion of his fellow influencers’ meals—without asking—and then humorously declaring it as a “tax” that he was imposing on them.
This amusing bit quickly caught on, and soon after, “Fanum tax” started spreading across social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube, where clips of Fanum’s streams were being shared widely.
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What began as a lighthearted interaction among influencers quickly transformed into a cultural phenomenon, with Gen Alpha adopting the term and using it in everyday internet communication.
Over time, the phrase gained even more visibility through viral music and memes, ultimately solidifying “Fanum tax” as a recognizable part of internet slang.
What Exactly Is “Fanum Tax”?
The term might initially sound complex, but its concept is relatively simple. In essence, “Fanum tax” refers to taking a small portion of someone else’s food—usually a friend’s—as a playful or light-hearted gesture.
It’s akin to a joke about “taxing” your friends’ meals by taking a bite or piece when they’re not expecting it.
However, according to Fanum himself, the “tax” is not meant to be a serious concept. In an interview with GQ, Fanum explained that the “tax” represents the idea of sharing.
It’s a way of saying, “Hey, share with your friends.” He emphasized that the tax doesn’t mean you’re stealing; rather, it’s a way to involve yourself in someone else’s enjoyment—whether that’s food or some other aspect of life.
Fanum elaborated, saying:
“The tax is pretty much like: ‘Feed your friends.’ Sometimes 5%, sometimes 10%. Just know, bro. That’s the tax, bro. Feed your people.”
Essentially, Fanum was trying to convey that the act of sharing food—like taking a bite of someone’s meal—should be seen as a fun, friendly, and expected part of social interaction.
How Is “Fanum Tax” Used?
Once the term “Fanum tax” caught on, it began to spread across various corners of the internet. Today, it’s used in a variety of ways, depending on the context. Here’s a look at the most common ways “Fanum tax” is used in online conversation.
1. Taking Food from a Friend
The most common usage of “Fanum tax” occurs when someone takes a small portion of their friend’s food. This could be anything from sneaking a fry from someone’s plate to grabbing a chip or bite of their sandwich.
The key here is that it’s done in a joking manner, without any serious intention of stealing or making the other person feel bad.
Examples:
- “I was about to eat those chips, but he Fanum taxed the whole bag!”
- “Can you stop Fanum taxing my pizza? I was saving that slice!”
2. As a Term for Sharing or Giving
Sometimes, the term is used to simply encourage sharing. For example, if someone is eating something delicious, and you want to take part, you might jokingly say you’re collecting your “Fanum tax.”
Examples:
- “It’s time to collect my Fanum tax from the table. Gotta grab a piece of that cake.”
- “I’ve got some fries for the squad—time to pay the Fanum tax.”
3. As a Compliment
While “Fanum tax” primarily refers to food-sharing, some Gen Alpha users have started to apply the term in a more figurative way. It has occasionally been used as a compliment, especially when referring to someone who looks good or is attractive.
This usage is a bit more niche but is still tied to the playful and fun nature of internet slang.
Examples:
- “She’s looking Fanum tax in that dress today!”
- “My friend really leveled up this summer, he’s totally Fanum tax now.”
The Spread of “Fanum Tax” Among Gen Alpha
Though Gen Z certainly played a role in popularizing internet slang, Gen Alpha has taken it to the next level by embracing, remixing, and creating entirely new phrases.
The term “Fanum tax” is an excellent example of this.
While some terms from previous generations (such as “lit” or “on fleek”) fade in and out of use, Gen Alpha’s connection to viral media and the rise of platforms like TikTok has allowed phrases like “Fanum tax” to stay relevant.
These terms are not only shared among friends but also contribute to viral memes, songs, and videos that circulate rapidly online.
In 2023, the phrase gained even more attention when it was referenced in the viral song “Sticking Out Your Gyat for the Rizzler.”
The track not only mentions the phrase but also includes other trending slang like “rizz” (meaning charisma, especially in a flirting context) and “gyat” (a slang term for a well-formed body popularized on TikTok).
Conclusion
The “Fanum tax” phenomenon is a light-hearted and playful example of how internet slang continues to evolve, especially among younger generations. What started as a joke between friends has now become a widespread term used in a variety of contexts.
Whether it’s about sharing food or even complimenting someone’s appearance, the term has found a place in the digital vernacular of Gen Alpha.
So, the next time you hear someone mention “Fanum tax,” you’ll know that it’s all about good-natured food sharing—or maybe even a compliment about someone’s style or looks.
It’s harmless fun and just another reminder of how internet culture constantly reshapes the way we communicate.
People May Ask
What does “Fanum tax” mean?
“Fanum tax” refers to the friendly act of taking a small portion of someone else’s food, typically among friends. It’s a playful way to encourage sharing or to jokingly claim part of a meal.
How did the term “Fanum tax” originate?
The term was created by Fanum, a popular Twitch streamer, who started the joke of taking small portions of his friends’ food during streams. The term became viral on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
Can “Fanum tax” be used as a compliment?
Yes, in some cases, “Fanum tax” can be used to describe someone who is attractive or has an appealing appearance, similar to terms like “snack” or “treat.”
How can I use “Fanum tax” in conversation?
You can use “Fanum tax” when taking a small piece of your friend’s food or even when joking about sharing food. For example, “Time to collect my Fanum tax” means it’s your turn to take a bite of someone’s meal.
Why do people use the term “Fanum tax”?
People use “Fanum tax” because it’s a fun, light-hearted way to talk about sharing food with friends. It has also gained popularity due to its association with internet memes and viral content.
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