MyMemeCards editorial team
In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “It's Nicolas who pays” is an epic card of the French Politics pack, number 99 of the collection, and the 49th best-known meme of its 127 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.
What does the “It's Nicolas who pays” meme mean?
The image conveys generational and fiscal anger. 'Nicolas' embodies the hardworking taxpayer whose purchasing power stagnates while seeing others benefit from public funds. It contrasts this figure with retirees or aid recipients, using irony to highlight perceived unfairness in the tax system for the average individual.
Where does the “It's Nicolas who pays” meme come from?
The character first appeared in an infographic posted on X by @Sidounours on April 29, 2020, titled 'The Social Contract.' It showed a man holding his head, symbolizing contribution burdens. The meme gained traction in November 2022 via the far-right page 'Bouli,' according to Le Monde. A dedicated account, @NicolasQuiPaie, was reportedly created in November 2024. Its origin video remains unknown. It spread on X as a slogan criticizing public spending.
- 2020-04-29Publication of the 'Social Contract' infographic by @Sidounours on X.
- 2022-11Launch of the meme by the far-right page 'Bouli' according to Le Monde.
- 2024-11Creation of the X account @NicolasQuiPaie reported by Le Monde.
How to use the “It's Nicolas who pays” meme
- Post a screenshot of a tight family budget with the caption: 'It's Nicolas who pays.'
- Ironically comment on a new tax article by adding: 'Another public expense? It's Nicolas who pays.'
- Use the phrase in a debate about pensions to highlight the burden on workers: 'Pensions rise, but it's still Nicolas who pays.'
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The “It's Nicolas who pays” card in MyMemeCards
| Number | No. 099 |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Epic |
| Collection | French Politics pack |
| Fame | 80/100 · #49 of 127 |
| Recycle value | 20 MemeCoins (60 in Shiny) |
How to get the “It's Nicolas who pays” card
Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; It's Nicolas who pays comes out of the French Politics pack as an epic card. The pack odds say what each rarity weighs.
Your first pack is free and needs no account. After that a new free pack lands every 10 minutes, up to 3 waiting for you. You can also buy the card with MemeCoins on the market, bid for it at auction, or trade it — and a double recycles into 20 MemeCoins.
Open your free pack
5 meme cards, one of them at least Rare. One free pack per person.
Free · no account needed
Odds per card, averaged over a pack: Common 72%, Rare 23.9%, Epic 3.2%, Legendary 0.56%, Mythic 0.3%, Full Art 0.8%, Shiny 0.2%. Cards 1 to 3 are always Common, cards 4 and 5 climb the rarities. Rates drop for cards that circulate a lot. Details
Memes like “It's Nicolas who pays”
More cards of the French Politics pack
Frequently asked questions
What does it's nicolas who pays mean?
It refers to a political meme featuring a fictional thirty-something representing the middle-class worker bearing the tax burden for pensions and social benefits.
It's nicolas who pays origin?
The image comes from a 2020 infographic by @Sidounours, popularized in 2022 by the 'Bouli' page on X.
Who is nicolas in the meme?
Nicolas is not a real person. He is an archetype of the educated urban employee chosen to illustrate the average taxpayer.
Is it true that nicolas pays?
It is a humorous generalization. While workers do fund part of public spending, the economic reality is more nuanced.
How do I get the It's Nicolas who pays meme card?
Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “It's Nicolas who pays” is an epic card of the French Politics pack. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.
How rare is the It's Nicolas who pays card?
It is an Epic card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.
Sources: VIDEO. Qui se cache derrière "Nicolas qui paie" - franceinfo · "C'est Nicolas qui paie": ce porte-parole LR dresse le constat d'une "fracture générationnelle" entre les actifs et les inactifs · « C'est Nicolas qui paie » : comment la droite et l'extrême ... · checked on October 8, 2026.
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Open your free pack: 5 meme cards, no account needed.