E-Cigarette & Vaping Glossary
=”E-Cigarette & Vaping Glossary”
Last Updated: September 28, 2024
If you’re new to vaping, you may encounter various terms that seem unfamiliar. Initially, the terminology can be perplexing, particularly in environments where it is used without explanation. To aid you, we’ve compiled this useful glossary covering the most common vaping terms, including different types of e-cigarettes, various vaping styles, and the components of e-cigarettes and vapes.
Vaping Styles
Direct to lung (DTL)
In DTL (direct to lung) vaping, the vapour is inhaled straight from the mouthpiece into the lungs.
Mouth to lung (MTL)
MTL (mouth to lung) vaping involves inhaling vapour from the mouthpiece into the mouth first, before taking it into the lungs, similar to smoking a cigarette.
Sub ohm
Sub Ohm vaping is a DTL technique that creates large clouds of smoke. It utilizes devices with low resistance coils under 1 ohm. Discover more about the various vaping styles in our beginner’s guide to vaping.
Learn more about the different styles of vaping.
Types of E-Cigarette
Cigalike
A cigalike, also referred to as a first-generation cigarette, is an e-cigarette resembling a traditional tobacco cigarette.
Disposable e-cigarette
These devices are intended for one-time use and can be discarded once they stop producing vapour, typically within 1-2 days, depending on usage. Unlike other e-cigarettes, they do not come with a rechargeable battery.
Electronic cigarette
An electronic cigarette refers to any device that emits vapour. It serves as an alternative to traditional tobacco cigarettes, using a specific liquid (see e liquid) that is vaporized by an atomiser. Electronic cigarettes may also be called e-cigs or vapes.
Mod
A mod is an e-cigarette that has been custom-designed, often to improve the ‘hit’ of vapour or produce a larger vapour cloud.
Pod system
Commonly referred to as ‘pod mods’, ‘pod kits’, or ‘pod vapes’, these represent the latest generation of vape devices. They are user-friendly and easy to maintain, typically featuring a rechargeable battery and disposable ‘pods’. Depending on the model, some have refillable pods that need to be filled with e-liquid, while others use pre-filled pods that are discarded once empty.
Tank system
Any vaping device equipped with a refillable ‘tank’ falls under this category. Typically a glass container holds the e-liquid, and it contains a replaceable ‘coil’ that heats the liquid, transforming it into vapour.
Vape kit or ‘vape’
Most users casually call their device a ‘vape’, regardless of its type. The term ‘vape kit’ generally covers all kinds of vaping devices when selecting or purchasing an e-cigarette.
Everything necessary to begin using an e-cigarette is included in these starter kits, which typically consist of a cartomiser (refill), a tank or pod, a battery, a charger, and a manual.
Second generation e-cigarettes
E-cigarettes of this type come with a refillable tank that users can fill with e-liquid and generally include a replaceable ‘coil’. This distinguishes them from cigalikes, which employ ‘cartomisers’ and are classified as first-generation e-cigarettes.
E-Cigarette Components
Airflow adjustment
Many devices equipped with a refillable tank also allow for airflow adjustment. This feature typically involves a twist mechanism located at either the bottom or top of the tank, enabling the user to regulate the airflow. It allows for a personalized vapour flow, resulting in either a tighter or looser ‘draw’ of the e-cigarette.
Atomiser
This electronic part of the e-cigarette is responsible for converting e-liquid into vapour. It includes a ‘coil wire’ and wicking material, all enclosed in a metal casing. The term ‘coil’ is often used today to refer to the entire atomiser.
Cartomisers
This term refers to refills, commonly used for the refills associated with cigalike e-cigarettes.
Clearomiser
As a key component of second-generation e-cigarettes, a clearomiser is a type of cartomiser with transparent walls, which enables users to see the remaining e-liquid in the cartridge. In refillable devices, these are now frequently called ‘tanks’.
Coil
Most modern e-cigs or vape kits classified as ‘open systems’ (i.e., featuring a refillable tank) come equipped with replaceable ‘atomizer heads’. Often referred to simply as ‘coils’, these consist of coil wire and wicking material. The wick absorbs e-liquid while the coil wire heats it and converts it into vapour.
Coil wire
This fine metal wire, coiled up, serves as the heating element in an e-cigarette. Wrapped in wicking material, it heats the liquid to produce vapour.
Ohms
Ohms measure resistance, and in vaping, coils have a specified resistance in ohms. A coil with lower resistance allows more current to flow, while higher resistance coils allow less current. Essentially, lower ohms generate more heat and vapour, while higher ohms result in less heat and vapour. Typically, coils exceeding 1 ohm resistance are suitable for ‘MTL’ vaping (see definition below), while coils below 1 ohm cater to ‘DTL’ vaping (definition also below).
Refills
Refills denote pre-filled cartridges designed for use with specific e-cigarette devices, such as cigalike e-cigs and pod vape devices. These include an atomiser (or coil) and e-liquid, and are typically disposable.
Tank
A vape tank holds the coil and e-liquid within a vape kit. Most devices, apart from cigalikes and pod kits, incorporate a tank. They are nearly always
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Wicking material
The material located within the atomiser, responsible for absorbing e-liquid from a tank or cartomiser. Typically, it is made from cotton but it can also be crafted from ceramic.
E-Liquid Terms
E-liquid
This liquid is utilized for refilling second-generation e-cigarettes or tank system vape kits. Composed of base ingredients—propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine—e-liquids have added flavourings and sweeteners. Additionally, they often contain nicotine.
Commonly known as e-juice, vape juice, or vape liquid.
50/50 e-liquid
This type of vape juice has equal parts of the two main e-liquid components; propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). These well-balanced e-liquids are compatible with most vape kits. Check out our blog on 50/50 e-liquids for more information.
Freebase nicotine
This nicotine variant is found in tobacco cigarettes and most standard e-liquids. Although nicotine is highly addictive, most experts agree that it does not lead to cancer.
Nicotine salts
These are e-liquids made using nicotine extracted from the tobacco leaf. They deliver a quicker, smoother nicotine experience compared to freebase nicotine. For more insights, read our post on nicotine salts.
Priming
This process involves allowing sufficient time for your liquid to adequately soak the wick in your coil.
Propylene glycol
PG is a colorless liquid with a slightly sweet flavor, often utilized as a preservative in the food industry. As a base ingredient in e-liquids, it has a lower viscosity compared to vegetable glycerine (VG). E-liquids with more than 50% PG are suitable for standard ohm coil devices (1 ohm and above)—refer also to ‘Vegetable Glycerine’.
Vape liquid
This term is synonymous with ‘e-liquid’.
Vape juice
Another expression for ‘e-liquid’.
Vegetable glycerine
VG is a clear liquid primarily used as a sweetener and thickening agent in the food sector. It acts as a base component in e-liquids, serving as a ‘carrier’ for flavourings and nicotine. E-liquids containing over 50% VG are intended for devices fitted with sub ohm coils (under 1 ohm).
Discover more details about PG & VG.
Vaping Terms
Burnt hit
This unpleasant experience occurs when you operate your vape without sufficient liquid on the wick. A lack of liquid can lead to the coil wire burning the wicking material, resulting in a harsh taste and frequently rendering the coil unusable. Priming a new coil and ensuring that the e-liquid level in your tank remains adequate is crucial to prevent this.
Dry hit
Typically, a dry hit precedes a burnt hit. It serves as a warning that the wicking material in your coil lacks adequate liquid. You will notice reduced vapour production and diminished flavour. If …
If you encounter a dry hit, take a moment to allow the coil to absorb additional liquid, or replenish the tank.
Priming (a coil)
This refers to the practice of permitting a new coil to soak up liquid prior to its initial use. You can learn how to properly prime a coil here.
Throat hit/kick
This is the sensation experienced when the vapor first reaches your throat. Vape juices with a higher nicotine content typically create a stronger throat hit, and those containing a greater proportion of ‘PG’ will have a similar effect. If you find the throat hit feels excessively harsh, consider reducing your nicotine strength or opting for a liquid that has a 50% PG/50% VG mixture.
Vape
To inhale or use the vapor emitted by an e-cigarette.
Vaper
A person who engages in using an e-cigarette.
Vaping
The act of utilizing an e-cigarette.
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The data referenced is from 2023 and 2024, with forecasts extending to 2025 and 2026. Additionally, we have expanded our projections to include 2027 and 2028.
Post Title: E-Cigarette & Vaping Glossary
Last Updated: September 28, 2024
