Fanum Tax Explained: The Kai Cenat Meme That Became a Playable Experience in VIVERSE

This article was originally published on the VIVE Postwave blog for a Taiwan-based audience. It has since been translated and refined for a global readership.

What happens when internet slang, Twitch chaos, and 3D design collide? Enter "Fanum Tax"—a viral Gen Z meme that started with Kai Cenat’s livestreams and evolved into a mini-game in VIVERSE, HTC’s immersive web-based platform. From its meme-worthy origin to a playable experience, this is the story of how a snack-stealing moment turned into a digital trend that fans can now step into and interact with in a whole new way.

What Is "Fanum Tax"? The Meme That Started with Snacks

If you're just catching up on Gen Z slang, "Fanum Tax" refers to sneaking food from a friend—a term that blew up after a viral Twitch moment involving Kai Cenat and his AMP group collaborator, Fanum. It might sound strange at first, but it perfectly captures the chaos of communal living and online culture.

Kai Cenat and the Origin of the Fanum Tax Meme

Kai Cenat is one of the biggest names in streaming, with over 7 million YouTube subscribers and more than 14 million followers on Instagram. Known for his rapid-fire humor, bold challenges, and high-energy skits, Kai quickly became a central figure in the digital creator scene.

Fanum, a member of AMP (Any Means Possible), often appeared in Kai’s streams and vlogs. During a December 2022 livestream, Fanum unexpectedly barged into Kai’s room and swiped a plate of cookies on-camera. The moment, hilarious and unplanned, was instantly immortalized by fans as the birth of "Fanum Tax."

How the Twitch Clip Went Viral

From that one moment, Fanum continued to "collect taxes" in the form of snacks—stealing burgers, chips, and anything edible in reach. The most iconic incident? Kai blocking his door with furniture in a failed attempt to keep Fanum out. When it finally worked, Kai shouted, "I evaded the taxes!"

That moment sealed the term. "Fanum Tax" became a meme, a community joke, and ultimately, a piece of modern digital folklore.

Fanum Tax in Music, Slang, and Everyday Life

Fanum Tax quickly entered the Gen Z lexicon. It’s used to describe:

• Roommates or friends who sneak your food.

• A playful way of asking for a bite.

• Even a compliment: calling someone "Fanum Tax" means they look good enough to eat.

“You’re so skibidi. You’re so fanum tax. I just want to be your sigma.”

—from the viral track Sticking Out Your Gyatt for the Rizzler

The phrase evolved beyond food and into memes, TikToks, and even satirical ideas for teaching taxes to Gen Z.

From Meme to Mini-Game: Fanum Tax Comes to VIVERSE

While most memes live and die online, this one entered a new dimension—literally. A developer on X (ssam) created a 3D Fanum Tax game using VIVERSE, where you can step into Kai Cenat’s virtual room and recreate the chaos for yourself.

In the game, players must collect 17 food items scattered around Kai’s digital space—dodge furniture, evade imaginary security, and "tax" your way to victory. The room features detailed references like arcade machines, YouTube creator plaques, and the same food items that fans recognize from his livestreams.

Watch the Fanum Tax game in action on X:

Why Fanum Tax Proves Virtual Worlds Are the Future of Memes

Memes might seem trivial, but this one shows how humor, storytelling, and community can leap from 2D content into fully immersive 3D spaces. Platforms like VIVERSE offer creators the power to build, share, and remix culture in entirely new ways.