If your TikTok FYP has been blessed (or cursed, depending on your snack stash) with shouts of "Fanum Tax!" every time someone nabs a fry, you're probably wondering what the hell is going on.
Anyone who uses Twitch or TikTok, or is familiar with the chaotic world of AMP streams, has probably heard of the Fanum Tax. What began as a spontaneous prank has evolved into a meme you might see both on the internet and IRL. It got so big it has even caught the attention of celebrities like John Cena.
What Is the Fanum Tax?
The Fanum Tax was coined by streamer Fanum, referring to his habit of stealing food from his friends during live streams—essentially "taxing" their meals. It’s the modern-day "Can I get a bite?" but with more swagger and zero expectation of a 'no.' No snack is ever truly safe.
The tax became a running gag within the AMP (Any Means Possible) streaming collective, which includes popular creators like Kai Cenat, Duke Dennis, and Agent 00.
According to Kai Cenat, the first ever Fanum Tax occurred during a Christmas themed stream Kai did in December 2022. During the stream, Fanum burst into Kai's room and stole his cookies and said, "F--k n---a." This moment is considered the first known instance of the Fanum Tax.
Fast forward to late 2022, the Fanum tax got so big that TikTok users started referring to it. Suddenly, "Fanum Tax" wasn't just an AMP inside joke; it became prime internet slang.
Who Is Fanum?
Fanum (pronounced like phan-tom, without the t) real name Roberto Gonzalez, is a 27-year-old Bronx-born content creator of Dominican descent known for his comedic and engaging livestreams. He started his online career around 2016, initially focusing on NBA 2K content before expanding into vlogs and lifestyle videos. As a founding member of AMP, he was the one who recruited Kai Cenat into the crew.
John Cena Learns About the Fanum Tax
The Fanum Tax reached new heights of fame when John Cena appeared on Kai Cenat's Twitch stream in October 2024. During the stream, as Cena and Cenat were about to try McDonald's new Chicken Big Mac, Fanum burst into the room like the Kool-Aid Man, grabbed both Cenat and Cena's burgers, and invoked the infamous Fanum Tax.
The moment was met with laughter and disbelief, with Cena exclaiming, "That is the funniest thing ever."
The moment was met with laughter and disbelief, with Cena asking, "What is a Fanum Tax? Is this just a way for you to eat my food?" To which Fanum responded, "Kinda but not really."
Even Joe La Puma Got Hit With The Fanum Tax
When Fanum appeared on an episode of Complex's Sneaker Shopping with Joe La Puma in 2023, even Complex got hit with the tax.
The Fanum Tax in Internet Culture
Beyond its origins, the Fanum Tax has become a staple in internet slang, often used to describe the act of taking something from someone without permission, usually in a lighthearted context. The term is invoked in all types of memes and TikTok videos, sometimes not even involving food. What it really highlights is the massive cultural influence Fanum, Kai Cenat, and the entire AMP crew are having right now.
So, next time your boy leans over, eyes locked on your last slice of pizza, and utters those fateful words, 'Fanum Tax,' just remember: you're not just losing food, you're participating in a slice of internet history. Pay your dues, or get quicker hands. The choice, as always, is yours. Just don't be surprised when your Doritos bag suddenly feels a little lighter.