As vaping continues to grow in popularity, it’s important to understand the language that surrounds it. If you’re new to vaping or just want to brush up on the terminology, this glossary will help explain common words and phrases used in the vaping world in simple, easy-to-understand language.
Atomizer
The atomizer is the part of a vape device that heats the e-liquid and turns it into vapor. It usually consists of a coil that gets hot when power is applied, allowing the liquid to vaporize and be inhaled.
Box Mod
A box mod is a type of vape device that’s shaped like a box and often allows for more customization. With box mods, users can adjust the power output, temperature, and other settings for a more personalized vaping experience.
Coil
The coil is a metal wire, usually made of materials like kanthal or stainless steel, that heats up when power is applied. When the coil gets hot, it vaporizes the e-liquid. Coils need to be replaced regularly as they wear out over time.
E-liquid (E-juice)
E-liquid, also known as vape juice or e-juice, is the fluid that’s vaporized by the atomizer in a vape device. It typically contains nicotine, flavoring, and a base liquid (usually a mix of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin).
There are also nicotine-free e-liquids for those who enjoy vaping without the nicotine.
Sub-ohm Vaping
Sub-ohm vaping refers to vaping with a device that has a coil with a resistance below 1 ohm. This type of vaping usually produces larger clouds of vapor and can provide a stronger flavor.
It’s popular with advanced vapers who want more intense experiences.
Pod System
A pod system is a small, compact vape device that uses pre-filled or refillable pods. These systems are user-friendly, making them great for beginners or those who want a more convenient way to vape. They tend to have lower power and are typically used with nicotine salts (a type of e-liquid with higher nicotine content).
Nicotine Salts (Nic Salts)
Nicotine salts are a form of nicotine found in some e-liquids that allow for higher concentrations of nicotine without the harsh throat hit that traditional nicotine (freebase nicotine) can cause. Nic salts are popular in pod systems and other low-powered devices.
PG (Propylene Glycol)
PG is one of the two main ingredients used in e-liquids, along with VG (vegetable glycerin). It is thinner and produces less vapor but is better at carrying flavor.
Some people may be sensitive to PG and prefer e-liquids with higher VG content.
VG (Vegetable Glycerin)
VG is the other main ingredient in e-liquids. It is thicker than PG and produces larger clouds of vapor. VG tends to be smoother on the throat but doesn’t carry flavor as well as PG. Many e-liquids are a mix of VG and PG to balance vapor production and flavor.
Throat Hit
Throat hit refers to the sensation you feel in your throat when you inhale vapor, similar to the feeling of inhaling smoke from a cigarette.
The amount of throat hit depends on factors like the type of nicotine used and the ratio of PG to VG in the e-liquid.
Drip Tip
A drip tip is the mouthpiece of a vape device. It’s the part you put your lips on to inhale the vapor. Drip tips come in various shapes and sizes and can be made from materials like plastic, metal, or resin.
Cloud Chasing
Cloud chasing is a style of vaping where the goal is to produce large, thick clouds of vapor. This usually involves using sub-ohm devices and high-VG e-liquids, as these tend to create more vapor.
Dry Hit
A dry hit happens when there’s not enough e-liquid on the coil, causing it to burn the wick (the cotton material inside the coil). This produces a harsh, unpleasant taste and can damage the coil.
Wattage
Wattage refers to the amount of power being sent to the coil in a vape device. Many advanced vape devices allow you to adjust the wattage to suit your preferences. Higher wattage typically means more vapor and a stronger flavor, while lower wattage can result in a cooler, smoother hit.
Temperature Control (TC)
Temperature control is a feature found in some vape devices that allows users to set the maximum temperature the coil can reach. This prevents the coil from overheating and burning the e-liquid, thus giving you more control over your vaping experience.
MTL (Mouth-to-Lung)
MTL is a style of vaping that mimics the way many people smoke cigarettes. You first draw the vapor into your mouth, then inhale it into your lungs.
This style is often preferred by people who are transitioning from smoking to vaping and is commonly used with pod systems and higher-nicotine e-liquids.
DTL (Direct-to-Lung)
DTL is another style of vaping where you inhale the vapor directly into your lungs, similar to how you would breathe in air. This method is often used with sub-ohm devices and lower-nicotine e-liquids, as it typically produces larger clouds and a stronger flavor.
Vape Pen
A vape pen is a type of vape device that’s shaped like a pen – slim and portable. These devices are often used by beginners because they are easy to use, affordable, and typically don’t require much setup.
Mod
A mod is any vape device that allows for customization and power adjustment. Mods can range from simple, single-button devices to more complex systems with adjustable settings for wattage, temperature, and more.
Ohms
Ohms are a measure of electrical resistance, and in vaping, it refers to the resistance level of the coil.
Lower ohms (sub-ohm) generally mean more power, more vapor, and stronger flavor, while higher ohms provide a cooler, more restricted hit.
RDA (Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer)
An RDA is a type of atomizer where you manually drip e-liquid onto the coil and wick rather than filling a tank. RDAs are popular with experienced vapers because they allow for greater control over the build of the coil and wick.
Understanding these terms can make vaping easier to enjoy and help you make informed choices when selecting devices, e-liquids, and accessories. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned vaper, knowing the basics will enhance your experience.