Vaping Glossary

The world of vaping may seem overwhelming for beginner vapers, to the point that it can sound like another language when vapers talk about things like coils, box mods and cloud chasers. 

Below is a glossary of commonly used vaping terms to help you understand the world of vaping a little bit better.

ADV : 

Otherwise known as an “All Day Vape”. This refers to an e-liquid that you can vape on all day long without tiring of it.

AFC:

This refers to the atomiser’s hole that can be adjusted to allow “airflow control”, thus changing how loose or tight the draw is.

Atomiser (sometimes called an “Atty”):  

Component of a vape that consists of a wick and coil that turns the e-liquid into a vapour.

Automatic: 

An automatic vaping device as opposed to a vape that is operated by pressing a button.

Battery: 

This powers the atomiser. 

Base Liquid: 

The base of the e-liquid that is usually made from vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol.

Base Mix: 

As above but with nicotine added.

Blanks: 

Empty cartridges that can be filled with e-liquid.

Box Mod: 

An “APV” that is shaped like a box.

Bridge: 

This is also sometimes called an atomiser wick, which draws the e-liquid from the tank and onto the coil.

Cartridge: 

The cartridge that holds the e-liquid.

Cartomiser (also known as a “Carto”): 

This is one vaping device that contains both the cartridge and the atomiser. 

Clouds: 

The cloud-like vapour that is exhaled by a vaper.

Coil: 

The coil is the component that heats the e-liquid so that it can be inhaled.

Dry Burn: 

This happens when a vaper draws from their vape when it is empty. 

Deck: 

The base of the atomizer where the positive and negative posts are located.

DL/DTL – “Direct To Lung”. 

This is a type of atomiser that usually offers high power and a great amount of airflow which results in the vapour being inhaled directly into the lungs.

Drip Tip: 

The mouthpiece used on an atomizer.

Drip Well: 

This prevents any dripped liquid from leaking but containing it. 

E-Cig: 

Electronic cigarette.

E-Liquid: 

The liquid that becomes vapourised in the vaping device. Can also be known as “E-Juice or “Juice”. 

E-Smoking: 

Term for vaping.

Flooding: 

If too much liquid reaches the atomiser, flooding can happen.

French Hit: 

The process of vaping out of the mouth, and then re-inhaling it through the nose.

Hybrid:  

A vaping device that contains both the atomiser and battery.  

Kick: 

This is the vape hit at the back of the throat

LED: 

Some vapes or e-cigarettes have an LED light glowing at the end like a traditional cigarette.

MAH: 

Battery power rating.

Manual: 

A vape device that works when a button is manually pushed (vs an automatic).

mg:

Refers to the milligram strength per millilitre of nicotine in your e-liquid.

Mod:  

The mod contains the battery and control buttons, and is what the atomiser connects to.

MTL:

“Mouth To Lung”. This is a type of atomiser designed to emulate smoking a cigarette. It typically has low power and restricted airflow. 

Nicotine: 

Addictive substance in tobacco, and added to some e-liquids. 

Nic: 

Shortened version of nicotine.

Nic Juice:

E-liquid that contains nicotine.

Pen Style: 

A type of vape that looks like a pen. 

Pod System:

This is a compact vaporiser with a coil integrated into a pod containing e-liquid. When used up, the whole pod will be replaced.

PG: 

Propylene Glycol, an ingredient often used in e-liquids. It is thinner than VG (Vegetable Glycerine), but carries more flavour.

Second-Line Tool:

Tank: 

The chamber containing your e-liquid.

Tank and Coil Device:

A device where the vaper replaces the coil when it reaches the end of its life. This is different from a Pod System.

Vaper:

Some who uses vaping products.

Vape Juice:

Also known as e-liquid.

Vaping: The act of using a vape or e-cigarette.

Vapour: 

The cloud or “smoke” produced by a vape or e-cigarette.

Vaporiser: 

An electronic device such as a vape or e-cigarette that heats liquid to the point of vaporisation. 

Vegetable Glycerol /Glycerine (VG): 

A primary base substance that goes into your e-liquid, alongside PG (see above).

Zero-Nic:

An e-liquid that contains no or “zero” nicotine.