On a daily basis I come across many words used in the recording world that have no meaning to me or have lost any meaning they might have once had. These words come out of clients' mouths, from other studio's websites, from advertising and from gear catalogs. (My apologies to anyone who uses these words on a daily basis.)
World class
I know I've gone on a rant about this one before. I think it's a term that people who have invested too much money into large studios dreamed up to make themselves feel justified.
Industry standard
When referring to recording equipment, this phrase gets used a lot by small studios that are trying to talk big. What does it mean? Do their clients believe it?
Top engineers
I saw this one listed a bunch at some studio site. I guess those are the people who are not bottom engineers?
Cutting edge
When used in reference to recording technology this is sad, at best. Wouldn't you rather your album was recorded using equipment and techniques that the engineer had mastered instead of new, untested, cutting-edge gear that they don't understand yet?
Radio ready