Stepping into the world of vaping can feel like learning a new language. You hear words like “atomizer,” “coil,” “PG,” and “sub-ohm” and might find yourself nodding along without a clue. Understanding this unique vocabulary is key to getting the most out of your experience, ensuring you choose the right products, and troubleshooting any issues that come up.
This guide will break down the essential vaping terms you need to know. We’ve organized everything to make it easy to follow, whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced user looking to brush up on the latest slang. You’ll learn about the parts of your device, the liquids you use, and the techniques that define different vaping styles.
The Basics: Your Vaping Starter Pack
Let’s begin with the fundamental terms that form the foundation of vaping. These are the words you’ll encounter most often when buying your first kit or talking with other vapers.
E-Liquid, E-Juice, or Vape Juice
This is the liquid that your vape device turns into vapor. It typically contains four main ingredients: Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerin (VG), flavorings, and optional nicotine. The combination of these elements creates the flavor, throat hit, and vapor clouds you experience.
Atomizer
Often called an “atty,” this is the heart of your vape. It’s the component that houses the coil and wick. Its job is to heat the e-liquid to the point of vaporization. There are several types of atomizers, which we’ll cover later.
Coil
The coil is a small piece of wire, usually wrapped into a spring-like shape. When you activate your device, the battery sends power to the coil, causing it to heat up. This heat is what vaporizes the e-liquid absorbed by the wick. Coils are disposable and need to be replaced regularly to maintain good flavor and performance.
Mod
The mod is the main body of your vape device. It holds the batteries and contains the electronic components that control the power sent to the atomizer. Mods come in many shapes and sizes, from simple pen-style devices to powerful, customizable box mods.
Understanding Your E-Liquid
The liquid you choose has a massive impact on your vaping experience. These terms will help you pick the perfect juice for your preferences.
PG (Propylene Glycol)
Propylene Glycol is one of the two primary base liquids in e-juice. It’s a thin, colorless liquid that is excellent at carrying flavor. E-liquids with a high PG ratio tend to provide a stronger “throat hit,” which mimics the sensation of smoking.
VG (Vegetable Glycerin)
Vegetable Glycerin is the other main base liquid. It’s a thicker, slightly sweet liquid derived from vegetable oils. High VG juices are known for producing large, dense clouds of vapor. They also provide a smoother inhale compared to high PG liquids.
Throat Hit
This term describes the feeling you get in the back of your throat when you inhale vapor. A strong throat hit feels similar to tobacco smoke and is often preferred by people transitioning from smoking. Higher PG levels and higher nicotine strengths typically result in a stronger throat hit.
Nic Salts (Nicotine Salts)
Nicotine salts are a specific form of nicotine that allows for a much smoother inhale at higher concentrations. They are very popular in low-powered pod systems and are designed for users who want a high dose of nicotine without the harshness.
Devices and Components
As you explore different hardware, you’ll come across a wide range of terms for various devices and their parts.
Pod System
Pod systems are compact, user-friendly devices that use a disposable or refillable “pod” instead of a traditional tank. These pods contain the coil and e-liquid. They are often favored by beginners and those who use nic salts due to their simplicity and portability.
Box Mod
A box mod is a larger, more powerful type of vape mod, shaped like a box. These devices usually feature variable wattage settings, temperature control, and replaceable batteries. They offer a high degree of customization for advanced users who want to fine-tune their vaping experience.
Tank
A tank is a type of atomizer that includes a glass or plastic reservoir to hold e-liquid. This allows you to vape for longer periods without needing to refill. Tanks are the most common type of atomizer used with box mods.
RDA (Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer)
An RDA is an advanced type of atomizer without a tank. Instead, you drip e-liquid directly onto the coil and wick before vaping. Vapers who use RDAs, often called “drippers,” do so for the intense flavor and massive vapor production.
RTA (Rebuildable Tank Atomizer)
An RTA combines the features of a tank and a rebuildable atomizer. It has a tank to hold juice, but you build and install your own coils and wicks. This gives you the customization of an RDA with the convenience of a tank.
Vaping Techniques and Styles
How you vape is just as important as what you vape with. These terms describe the different ways people inhale vapor.
MTL (Mouth-to-Lung)
Mouth-to-lung is a two-step inhalation style. First, you draw the vapor into your mouth, and then you inhale it into your lungs. This method closely mimics the way most people smoke a cigarette. MTL vaping is typically done with lower power settings and higher resistance coils.
DTL (Direct-to-Lung)
Also known as Direct Lung, this is a one-step inhalation style where you inhale the vapor directly into your lungs, similar to taking a deep breath. DTL vaping produces much larger clouds and is usually done with high-power devices and low-resistance coils.
Sub-Ohm Vaping
This refers to vaping with a coil that has a resistance of less than 1.0 ohm. Sub-ohm vaping requires more power and produces significant amounts of vapor, making it synonymous with DTL vaping and “cloud chasing.” It is only recommended for experienced users with appropriate hardware.
Dry Hit
A dry hit is the unpleasant, burnt taste you get when you vape with an atomizer that has a dry or insufficiently saturated wick. It happens when the coil heats up without enough e-liquid to vaporize, burning the wick material instead. It’s a sign you need to refill your tank or replace your coil.
Your Vaping Journey Starts Here
This dictionary covers the most common terms you’ll encounter, but the world of vaping is always evolving. New technologies and slang emerge all the time. Learning this lingo will help you make informed decisions, enjoy a better experience, and connect with the wider vaping community.
Now we want to hear from you! What are some of your favorite vaping terms or slang that we might have missed? Do you have any questions about the definitions we covered? Share your thoughts in the comments below!