A-Z Vape Glossary
Dive straight into the world of vaping with this handy Vape Glossary, perfect for anyone looking to get the hang of vaping lingo. Vaping changes fast, and knowing the right words makes all the difference when figuring out gadgets and tricks. This glossary breaks down the tricky terms you hear, from what’s inside your vape to how to use it, making things clear and simple. With sharp, easy-to-understand info, it fills in the gaps so the vaping scene feels less like a puzzle and more like second nature. Whether trying out new gear or chatting with fellow vapers, this guide gives the edge needed to stay sharp and sure. Keep reading to unlock the secrets that can turn vaping from confusing to crystal clear.
Please note: E-Cigarette and Vape (Device) is used interchangeably in this glossary.
| Vape Term | Definition |
| Adapter | A device facilitating the connection of various parts to an e-cigarette, such as a specific battery type. |
| ADV (All Day Vape) | A preferred e-liquid flavour for extended usage. |
| Airflow | The volume of air inhaled per puff (see draw), influencing vapour output and taste strength. |
| Atomiser | A key component in e-cigarettes that transforms e-liquid into vapour. Also known as a ‘coil’. |
| Automatic | A vape that is automatically activated by inhaling on the device rather than a manual button. |
| Battery | The power source for an e-cigarette, devices can have internal batteries, or require external batteries |
| Blend | The proportion of propylene glycol (PG) to vegetable glycerine (VG) in e-liquids. |
| Box Mod | A mod with a box battery shape, providing enhanced power and control. |
| Cartomiser | A single unit combining a cartridge and atomiser (coil). |
| Charger | A device used to replenish the battery power of e-cigarettes, available in various formats like USB, wall chargers, and car chargers. |
| Cig-a-like | An e-cigarette designed to resemble traditional cigarettes. |
| Clearomiser | A transparent cartridge and atomiser (coil) unit, showing the e-liquid level. |
| Cloud Chasing | The hobby of producing large vapour clouds, sometimes competitively. |
| Coil | The atomiser’s heating element that vaporises the e-liquid. Goes in conjunction with a vape tank. |
| Direct to Lung (DTL) | Inhaling vapour straight into the lungs, bypassing the mouth. |
| Disposable Vape | A one-time-use device, discarded after the e-liquid runs out. Often lasts 600 puffs in the UK. |
| DIY E-Liquid | Self-made e-liquid, mixed personally by the user. |
| Draw / Drag | The act of inhaling vapour from an e-cigarette, similar to inhaling smoke from a traditional cigarette. |
| Drip Tip | The mouthpiece that is inhaled on a vape device. |
| Dry Burn | The process of heating a coil with no e-liquid to clean it or to check for even heating and coil functionality. |
| Dry Hit | A burnt-tasting draw resulting from a dry or poorly saturated wick in the coil. |
| E-Liquid | The vapour-producing solution in e-cigarettes, containing various ingredients including nicotine. |
| eGo | A popular style of vape pen known for its longer battery life and compatibility with various atomisers. |
| Electronic Cigarette (E-Cigarette) | A device that mimics smoking by producing vapour from e-liquid. Often referred to as a vape. |
| Flavourings | Ingredients added to e-liquids for taste. |
| Flooding | Over-saturation of the coil with e-liquid, leading to performance issues. |
| High Resistance (HR) | Coils with higher electrical resistance, suitable for MTL vaping. |
| Inhaling | The act of drawing vapour into the lungs from the e-cigarette. |
| Joules | A unit of power measurement in temperature-controlled mods, influencing heating levels. |
| Juice | Another term for e-liquid or vape liquid used in electronic cigarettes. |
| Kanthal Wire | A resistance wire type often used for crafting coils in vaping devices. |
| LED | Light Emitting Diode often used in e-cigarettes to indicate battery life or activation during use. |
| Leaking | Accidental e-liquid escape from a tank, possibly due to incorrect filling or seal issues. |
| Low Resistance (LR) | Coils with lower electrical resistance, producing more vapour but using more power. Also known as Sub-Ohm coils. |
| Mechanical Mod | A basic vaping device lacking electronic components, delivering direct battery power to the atomiser. |
| Mesh | A type of coil material used in some atomisers, known for its large surface area and even heating. |
| Mouth to Lung (MTL) | A vaping style reminiscent of traditional cigarette smoking, involving a tighter draw and initial mouth holding of vapour. |
| Nicotine | A potent chemical from the tobacco plant, used in e-liquids for vaping. It’s addictive, affects the nervous system, and is available in various strengths. |
| Nicotine (Freebase) | A form of nicotine used in e-liquids, known for providing a rougher throat hit compared to Nicotine Salt. Freebase Nicotine is also known as Regular Nicotine. |
| Nicotine Salt | A smoother, more rapidly absorbed form of nicotine in e-liquids. Can refer to Salt Nicotine Booster Shots or 10ml Nic Salt E-Liquids. |
| Ohm | The unit measuring the coil’s electrical resistance in vaping devices. |
| PG (Propylene Glycol) | A primary e-liquid ingredient, enhancing flavour and providing a stronger throat hit. |
| Pod System | A type of vape with either disposable or refillable pods and a rechargeable battery. Also known as Pod Kits. |
| Prefilled Pods | Cartridges or pods pre-filled with e-liquid, usually disposable and designed for specific pod systems. |
| Rebuildables | Atomisers that allow users to custom-build their own coils and wicks. |
| Resistance | The measure of how much an atomiser’s coil opposes electrical current, affecting heat and vapour production. |
| Shortfill | E-Liquids usually sold in 50ml or 100ml bottles, typically with 10ml space for adding nicotine shots. Users mix in nicotine as desired and shake the bottle to blend. Popular for its customisability in nicotine strength. Also known as Shake & Vape. |
| Sidefill | Refers to pods or tanks filled with e-liquid from a side port. |
| Starter Kit | A vape kit specifically designed for beginners including everything needed to begin vaping. |
| Steeping | The process of ageing e-liquid to enhance its flavour, similar to ageing wine. |
| Sub-Ohm | Using a coil with a resistance lower than one ohm for increased vapour production. |
| Tank | The component that stores e-liquid in a vaping device. |
| TPD | The Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) is an EU directive regulating tobacco and related products, including e-cigarettes and e-liquids. It sets standards for safety and quality, limits e-liquid bottle sizes to 10ml, caps nicotine strength at 20mg/ml, and imposes strict packaging and labelling requirements. |
| Throat Hit | The sensation felt in the throat upon inhaling vapour, influenced by nicotine content and the PG/VG mix. |
| Topfill | A design in tanks or pods where e-liquid is added from the top, often for convenience and to reduce leakage. |
| USB Passthrough | A feature allowing e-cigarettes to be used while charging. |
| Vaper | Someone who uses an e-cigarette. |
| Vaper’s Tongue | A temporary condition where a vaper loses the ability to taste certain flavours, often due to repeated exposure to the same flavour or dehydration. |
| Vaping | The act of using an e-cigarette. |
| VG (Vegetable Glycerine) | A primary e-liquid ingredient known for creating denser vapour clouds. |
| VV (Variable Voltage) | The ability to adjust a vape device’s voltage, affecting vapour production. |
| VW (Variable Wattage) | An adjustable setting on some vaping devices that allows users to control the wattage and consequently the temperature and intensity of the vapour. |
| Wattage | A power measurement in vape devices, impacting the rate of vaporisation and temperature. |
| Wick | The part of the atomiser that absorbs e-liquid for vaporisation. |
| Zero-Nic | E-liquids formulated without any nicotine. |
Concluding Insights: The Vape Vocabulary
This glossary serves as a valuable tool in the ever-growing and dynamic world of vaping. By providing detailed explanations and definitions, it aims to bridge the gap between beginners and experienced enthusiasts, ensuring a deeper understanding of all aspects of vaping. Whether you’re exploring new products, delving into the intricacies of vaping devices, or simply seeking to expand your vocabulary, this guide is an indispensable companion in your vaping experience. Remember, the world of vaping is always evolving, and staying informed is key to enjoying and making the most of your vaping journey.