Definition of «phantom tax»

This is a variation of the 'Fanum tax' meme, used to describe the act of someone taking a portion of your food or belongings without asking, but in a more subtle or 'ghostly' way. It implies that the item was taken so quickly or quietly that it felt like it vanished into thin air. It is mostly used among younger teenagers who are deeply immersed in Twitch and YouTube streaming culture.