Vaping terminology can be super confusing, especially if you’re new to vaping or using vaping as an aid to quit smoking. Weve created a glossary of vaping terms to help you decipher the terminology used within the vaping industry.

If you have any questions about choosing the right vape for you, please get in touch with us online or visit one of our in-person stores across the south and east of England.

Vaping Terminology A-Z

18650, 20700, 21700:

Common vape battery sizes used in vape mods, indicating their dimensions. 

Airflow:

The amount and control of air that can pass through the atomiser, influencing vapour production and the overall vaping experience.

All-Day Vape (ADV):

An e-liquid flavour that a vaper enjoys enough to use consistently throughout the day.

Atomiser:

The component of a vape device responsible for heating the e-liquid and producing vapour. This is also known as the vape tank.

Box Mod:

A type of advanced vaping mod with a box-shaped design, usually featuring adjustable settings, such as wattage and temperature.

Charger:

A device used to recharge the batteries in a vape mod. It can be an external vape battery charger or a USB cable connected directly to the mod.

Cloud Chasing:

The act of exhaling large vapour clouds, often associated with using high-powered devices and low-resistance coils.

Coil:

A heating element within the atomiser that vaporises the e-liquid. Coils come in various materials and resistances.

Deck:

The build area of a rebuildable atomiser where coils are installed. Different decks offer various build options.

Drip Tip:

The drip tip is the mouthpiece or tip of a vape device, where the user inhales the vapour.

Dry Hit:

Inhaling from a vape device when the coil is not adequately saturated with e-liquid, resulting in a harsh, burnt taste.

E-liquid, Vape Juice or E-juice:

The liquid solution that is vapourised in the atomiser, usually composed of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), nicotine, and flavourings.

Browse our full range of e-liquids.

Flooding:

Occurs when too much e-liquid is supplied to the atomiser, leading to gurgling sounds and potential leakage.

Hybrid Mod:

A type of mechanical mod with a hybrid connection directly connecting the atomiser to the battery - these are typically preferred by advanced users.

Juice Well:

A recessed area on an atomiser deck designed to hold extra e-liquid, reducing the frequency of dripping or refilling.

Kanthal:

A type of resistance wire commonly used in coil building due to its stability and ease of use.

Lung Hit or Direct-to-Lung (DTL) Vaping:

Inhaling vapour directly into the lungs, as opposed to mouth-to-lung (MTL) inhaling. You can learn more about the differences between DTL and MTL vaping on our blog.

Mod:

Short for modification, vape mods refer to the main body of a vape device, including the battery compartment and electronics.

Mouth-to-Lung (MTL):

Inhaling vapour into the mouth first and then into the lungs, similar to smoking a traditional cigarette.

Learn the differences between mouth-to-lung and direct-to-lung vaping.

Nicotine Salt (Nic Salt):

A type of nicotine that is naturally found in tobacco leaves. Nic salts are often used in higher concentrations in e-liquids for a smoother throat hit.

Ohm:

A unit of electrical resistance. Vapers often refer to the resistance of coils in ohms (Ω).

Ohm's Law:

A fundamental principle in electrical engineering that describes the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance.

PG/VG Ratio:

The ratio of propylene glycol (PG) to vegetable glycerin (VG) in an e-liquid. Different ratios can affect the flavour, throat hit, and vapour production.

Pod System:

A compact and user-friendly vaping device consisting of a pod that holds e-liquid and a small battery. At Vape Town, we offer a range of replacement pods for many different brands of system.

Regulated Mod:

A vape device with built-in safety features and adjustable settings, such as wattage and voltage.

Shop our collection of vape mods.

Resistance:

The opposition to the flow of electric current, measured in ohms. Lower resistance coils generally produce more vapour.

RDA (Rebuildable Dripping Atomiser):

An atomiser where users can build their own coils and manually drip e-liquid onto the coils for vaping.

RTA (Rebuildable Tank Atomiser):

An atomiser with a small tank which uses pressure and gravity to feed liquid from the tank to the wick, so you don’t have to do it manually.

Squonk Mod:

A type of mod with a built-in e-liquid reservoir, squonker mods can be squeezed (squonked) to feed e-liquid to the atomiser without dripping.

Steeping:

Allowing an e-liquid to mature over time, enhancing its flavour. Steeping is often done by storing the e-liquid in a cool, dark place.

Sub-ohm:

Refers to coils with a resistance below 1 ohm. Sub-ohm vaping is associated with higher power and increased vapour production.

Tank:

A vape tank is a reservoir that holds the e-liquid in a vape device, and is sometimes also known as an atomiser. All tanks are restricted to a 2ml maximum capacity under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.

Temperature Control (TC):

A feature on some mods that allows users to control the temperature of the coil, providing a consistent vaping experience.

Throat Hit:

The sensation felt in the throat when inhaling vapour, often associated with the nicotine content and PG/VG ratio of the e-liquid.

Vape Band:

A rubber or silicone band placed around the glass section of a tank to provide protection against breakage.

Vaper's Tongue:

A condition where a vaper temporarily loses the ability to taste flavours, often due to prolonged use of the same e-liquid.

Wire Types:

Different materials used for coil building. These types of wire include Kanthal, Nichrome, stainless steel, and titanium, each with its own properties and characteristics.

Zero-Nic:

Refers to e-liquids with no added nicotine, suitable for vapers who enjoy the vaping experience without the nicotine content.

 

At Vape Town, we understand that starting vaping can feel daunting, so we’ve also created a quick and easy guide to vaping, and you can find a world of vaping tips and advice on our blog.

Feeling more confident? Browse our collection of starter vape kits, perfect for beginner vapers!