Gen Z Terms: A Battle of Generations
There’s no denying that Spartan Carolina rep Shawn Campbell is well-known in his region. With decades of industry experience under his belt and pickleballs in his pockets, Shawn understands what it takes to play the game. But as a certified Boomer working with designers who are sometimes younger than his kids, Shawn’s Gen Z skills need refinement. In comes Lauren, Carolina rep and Shawn’s right hand and conveniently, well-versed Zillennial.
With the hope of brushing up on the newest Webster additions, Shawn accepts the Gen Z Terms challenge – guess as many slang words as you can, with the possibility of earning young-people street cred.
Meet the Team
In Raleigh, North Carolina, Spartan reps Lauren Panella and Shawn Campbell have worked together for years. They cover the same territory and despite coming from different generations, they make an iconic duo, often working together to best service their region. As a pair, they combine decades of knowledge and experience with new ideas and fresh creativity.
Starting off strong… briefly
The quiz begins with momentum: Shawn guesses “slay” almost instantly. He’s ready and maybe a little too confident. Then comes “no cap,” and Shawn proudly explains that it means texting in capital letters. Lauren’s gaze sends him questioning – the wavering confidence is palpable. From there, the ride begins.
The best wrong answers
Some of Shawn’s guesses deserve a category of their own:
- Cheugy – The moment he learns why their live laugh love signs got thrown away.
- Tweaking – Had to double check this wasn’t “twerking.”
- It’s giving – Somehow becomes a solo thanksgiving meal.
- Mewing – He tries it immediately, revealing the sharpest jawline Lauren’s ever seen.
- Opp – Defined this as “a good opportunity.” Honestly? Could’ve been.
Throughout all of this, their coworker Dominic becomes the unofficial example for half the words. Gen Z representation matters.
Some wins for Shawn
It’s not all chaos, there are genuine victories too. Shawn gets several right without hesitation:
- Lit
- Period
- Understood the assignment (which he absolutely did)
- Lowkey / Highkey
- Fire
- Ate and left no crumbs (something he claims to do after every meal)
Each correct answer boosts his confidence. By the halfway point, he’s certain he’s well over 50% — and asks for a printed list to impress (or confuse) his kids.
The Final Countdown
The scoreboard appears, the result are in:
13 incorrect. 16 correct!
Shawn celebrates. Lauren is proud. Balance has been restored.
Beyond the quiz
Having aced (well….not failed) the gen z quiz, Shawn is ready to take on the world! Or at least he has a few new words to use in his next Lunch & Learn. No matter the outcome, the friendship that exists between Lauren and Shawn is the thing that shines the brightest – no cap. They may come from different eras and speak with varying slang, but they work together and rely on each other every day, helping support each other as they each support their clients. The balance just works!
See A Day in the Life of a Rep with Shawn & Lauren
Follow Shawn & Lauren’s Journey on Instagram
Check Out Shawn and Lauren’s Product Offering
ABOUT SPARTAN
Spartan Surfaces is a specialty flooring supplier headquartered in Bel Air, MD. Employing over 250 team members, Spartan prides itself on taking a human-centered approach to business. We put people at the forefront of everything we do – our clients, our suppliers, our communities, our team, and our families. Spartan holds warehousing and offices in Maryland, Minnesota, and Upstate New York with showrooms in D.C., New York City, and Chicago. Its geography spans the contiguous United States with continued expansion on the horizon. We are great people dedicated to great products, great families, great friendships, and great happiness. Whatever you’re working on, we’ve got you covered!