Describing any piece of gear as 'reference.' It's a completely meaningless term. Compared to what? When I was 16 years old my 'reference system' was an 8-track deck bolted under the dash of a Ford pickup truck.
What are the current useless terms in this "audio world"
Throughout the history of marketing of all kinds of consumer goods there have been many useless, hyperbole phrases and words used. It seems on ebay, here, craigslist and others a current pet of Sellers is taking something to "the next level".... which sounds like a great marketing term for an elevator maker.