This guide explains everything from basics like atomizers and e-liquids to advanced topics like rebuildables and disposable pods. Whether you're new or experienced, this guide will improve your vaping know-how. Let's get started!
A
AIO (All-In-One)
A device where the tank is integrated into the battery. Commonly known as pens or sticks, they are compact, portable, and generate a modest amount of vapor.
Adapter
A component that allows the connection of parts not originally designed for the e-cigarette, such as a different battery than the standard model.
ADV (All Day Vape)
Refers to an e-Liquid that a user is comfortable vaping continuously over an extended period.
Airflow Control
A feature that allows users to adjust the airflow to control the draw and vapor production.
Atomizer
A crucial component of an e-cigarette that converts e-Liquid into vapor.
Atomizer Wick
A small mesh structure that aids in moving e-Liquid to the atomizer.
Auto Draw
A type of device activates when you inhale, without needing a button press. It's common in pod systems and disposables for ease of use.
Auto Shut-Off
A safety feature that automatically turns off the device after a certain period of inactivity.
B
Base Liquid
The foundational mixture to which other ingredients are added to create a complete e-liquid. It typically comprises VG (vegetable glycerine) and PG (propylene glycol).
Base Mix
The base liquid with added Nicotine. Users can then customize with their preferred flavorings.
Battery
The power source for electronic cigarettes that activates the attached atomizer, heating the coil and producing vapor.
BDC (Bottom Dual Coil)
Clearomizers ensuring precise liquid amounts for optimal coil heating, providing a clean vaping experience.
Blend
The ratio of VG (Vegetable Glycerin) to PG (Propylene Glycol) in e-liquid.
Battery Safety
Crucial safety measures for vaping products.
Bottom Coil
A clearomizer with the heating coil located at the bottom.
BVC (Bottom Vertical Coil Clearomiser)
A clearomizer with a vertically positioned heating coil, enhancing airflow and vapor production. Commonly used by companies like Aspire and Smok.
Box Mod
An advanced vape with a box-shaped battery section.
Brick & Mortar (B&M)
Physical e-cig stores on the high street where you can personally select and try vaping products before purchasing.
Button-Triggered
A device activated by pressing a designated button, also known as the 'fire button'.
C
Cart (Cartridge)
A slang term for the cartridge.
Cartridge
The part of the e-cigarette that holds the e-Liquid.
Carto (Cartomizer)
A slang term for a cartomizer.
Cartomizer
A combination of an atomizer and cartridge in one unit.
Charger
The charger is the device used to recharge an e-cigarette device, typically employing a USB connection to connect to a laptop/desktop computer or an authorized wall adapter, maintaining a safe and steady power supply to the battery.
Cig-a-Like
An e-cigarette that closely resembles a traditional cigarette.
Cloud Chaser
A term for vapers who aim to create large vapor clouds.
Cloud Chasing
A practice where vapers aim to use a vaping device that produces large, voluminous clouds of vapor.
Cloud Juice
Refers to e-liquids with a high VG content, known for producing dense vapor clouds. It's favored by vapers focused on vapor production over flavor.
Clouds
Refers to the visible vapor produced by an e-cigarette.
Clone
A replicated version of a branded e-cigarette. Due to the prevalence of counterfeit products, many brands now incorporate authenticity stickers.
Coil
Found within the atomizer, it heats the e-Liquid.
Contact Pin
The metal pin atop the battery that links it with the coil, facilitating the transfer of power to heat the liquid and produce vapor.
Cotton
The material encircling the coil, absorbing e-liquid from the tank for heating and vaporization.
Cut Off
This safety feature in vapes prevents prolonged firing, reducing the risk of coil damage or accidents due to accidental button presses.
Custom Mod
A personally handcrafted or modified electronic cigarette.
D
Deep Lung
A vaping style where vapor is inhaled directly into the lungs with one prolonged draw.
Diacetyl
An unhealthy component that was once present in certain e-liquids, albeit in levels lower than those found in traditional tobacco cigarettes.
DNA Mod
An e-cigarette featuring a DNA circuit board that regulates wattage and voltage, typically produced by Evolv Vapor.
Disposable vs. Non-Refillable
Disposable vapes are designed for single-use and cannot be refilled. Non-refillable vapes might have options for replacing pods or tanks.
Disposable vs. Rechargeable
Unlike rechargeable vapes, disposable vapes have a built-in battery that can't be recharged. They're discarded once the battery is depleted.
Disposable vs. Prefilled
All disposable vapes are prefilled with e-liquid. However, not all prefilled vapes are disposable (some can be refilled).
Disposable vs. Pod System
While some disposable vapes use a pod system, not all pod systems are disposable. Many pod systems allow for replacement pods.
Dispo (Disposable Vape/Pod)
A term referring to disposable vaping devices, which are single-use e-cigarettes pre-filled with e-liquid and designed to be discarded after use.
DIY (Do-It-Yourself)
In the vaping community, it refers to activities like crafting your own coils or blending your own vape juices.
Dripping
A method of adding e-Liquid directly onto the atomizer by dripping a few drops onto the coil.
Drip Tip
Also known as the mouthpiece, is the part you place your lips around when inhaling from your vape.
Draw
The act of inhaling air through an e-cigarette, equivalent to "drag" in traditional cigarettes.
Draw-Activated
A type of disposable vape that is activated by inhaling (drawing) on the mouthpiece, without the need for a button.
Dry Burn
The process of drawing on an e-cigarette when there's no e-Liquid in the cartridge.
Dry Hit
Occurs when an e-cigarette lacks sufficient or no liquid in the device, resulting in an unpleasant taste caused by the wicking material being heated instead of e-liquid.
Dual-Activation
Indicates that the device can be activated either by drawing on it or by pressing a button.
Dual Coil
Evenly distributes heat between two coils, effectively doubling vapor production and enhancing flavor intensity.
Direct Lung (DTL/DL)
Inhaling vapor directly into the lungs without holding it in the mouth first.
E
E-Cig (Electronic Cigarette)
The term for the device used to vaporize e-Liquid for inhalation.
Eco Mode
A feature designed to conserve battery life. It engages when the battery level drops to 40%, automatically adjusting the wattage lower and then back to normal each time you vape.
E-Juice/E-Liquid
The liquid vaporized in an electronic cigarette.
E-Liquid Capacity
The amount of e-liquid a disposable vape can hold. This determines how long the device will last before it needs to be disposed of.
E-Smoking
A general term encompassing the use of electronic cigarettes.
F
Filling Port
A small opening on a tank or pod where vape juice is inserted to fill it with e-liquid. Simply insert the nozzle of your e-liquid bottle into the filling port to fill.
Filler
Absorbent material within a cartridge that helps deliver e-Liquid to the atomizer without flooding.
Flavor Options
The range of different e-liquid flavors available for disposable vapes. This can include fruit, dessert, menthol, and tobacco flavors.
Flavors
Additional ingredients in e-Liquids to impart specific tastes, often mimicking familiar foods or drinks.
Fixed-Coil
Found in refillable vape pods where the coil is integrated and cannot be removed. When the coil wears out, simply replace the entire pod. This eliminates the need for messy coil changes - just swap out the pod.
Fixed Wattage/Fixed Power
Refers to vape kits that provide a consistent power output at a set level. The wattage cannot be adjusted. These devices are user-friendly and require minimal setup, making them perfect for hassle-free vaping.
Flooding
When too much liquid reaches the atomizer.
Freebase
Pure, tobacco-derived nicotine used in e-liquids. It provides a smoother experience compared to other forms.
French Inhale
A vaping style where vapor is drawn into the mouth before being inhaled through the nose.
G
Glycerin
A thick, odorless, colorless liquid used as a base in e-liquids. It's prized for creating dense vapor clouds when heated, making it a vital component alongside Propylene Glycol (PG) in the vaping experience.
H
High Resistance (HR)
An atomizer with a high OHM reading used for high voltage vaping.
Hybrid
An e-cigarette with the atomizer and battery holder integrated for a sleek appearance.
I
Inhalation
Drawing in vapor from a vape device. Techniques include MTL (Mouth to Lung) and DTL (Direct to Lung) vaping.
Inhalation Activation
Auto-draw technology in certain vape devices instantly produces vapor when inhaling through the mouthpiece. No need for buttons or settings, making it convenient for new and experienced vapers.
J
Juice (E-Liquid)
A slang term for e-Liquid.
K
Kanthal Wire
The predominant type of resistance wire, with Nichrome as the alternative. Kanthal is favored for its quicker "bedding in" process and enhanced flavor production compared to Nichrome.
Kick
A term sometimes used to describe the throat hit experienced while vaping.
L
LED (Light Emitting Diode)
It's the light at the end of an e-cigarette that illuminates to mimic a traditional cigarette.
LED Indicator
A light on the disposable vape that indicates battery life or usage status. For example, it may blink to show low battery.
Leaking
When too much liquid is added, it seeps into the battery compartment, potentially causing damage.
Li-on
Short for lithium-ion batteries.
Liquid
Term used to describe e-Liquid.
Low Resistance
The coil in the atomizer heats up to vaporize e-liquid. Thicker wire has higher resistance, measured in ohms. Coils range from 0.15ohms to 1.8ohms. Lower resistance means faster e-liquid use, hotter vape, and denser vapor.
M
mAh
Stands for milliampere-hour, indicating a battery's energy storage capacity.
Manual
An e-cigarette type activated by pressing a button.
Mechanical Mod
Also known as 'Mech Mod,' these lack electrical components.
Mesh Coil
Utilizes a mesh-like metal sheet for even e-liquid heating and improved flavor.
Menthol
Extracted from peppermint, used in traditional and e-cigarettes for a fresh, enduring taste.
MG
Represents milligram strength per milliliter, specifying e-Liquid nicotine content.
Mini
Denotes smaller e-cigarette models.
Mod
Short for modification, refers to user-customized electronic cigarettes.
Mouthpiece
Also known as the drip tip, is the section of your vape device that you put to your lips for inhalation.
MTL (Mouth-to-Lung)
A vaping style where vapor is first drawn into the mouth, then inhaled.
N
Nic
A slang term referring to Nicotine.
Nic Juice
A slang term used to describe e-Liquid containing Nicotine.
Nic Salt/Nicotine Salt
A naturally occurring nicotine form in tobacco leaves, enhanced with acids for easier absorption and smoother inhale, even at higher concentrations. Popular for low-powered devices like pod kits and disposables due to fast-acting effects. Some disposable vapes use nicotine salts, which provide a smoother throat hit and are absorbed more quickly than freebase nicotine.
Nicotine
Contain in natural tobacco and added to e-Liquids to replicate the nicotine hit in traditional cigarettes.
Nicotine Free
E-liquid with no nicotine content (0mg). Chosen by those reducing nicotine intake during smoking cessation.
Nicotine Strength
The concentration of nicotine in the e-liquid of a disposable vape. This is usually measured in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL).
NRT (Nicotine Replacement Therapy)
Approved method for nicotine addiction treatment, providing controlled nicotine without harmful tobacco substances. Available as gum, tablets, patches, sprays, inhalers, and lozenges.
O
OHM (Ω)
A unit of measurement for electrical resistance.
P
Pass-Through
A device that can be directly connected to a USB port, allowing vaping without concern for battery life.
PEG
An abbreviation for Polyethylene Glycol, a common ingredient in many e-Liquids.
Pen Style
One of several types of e-cigarettes, characterized by its resemblance to a pen and its small, slim design.
Puff Count
The number of puffs a disposable vape is designed to deliver before it's depleted. Manufacturers usually specify the estimated puff count.
PG/VG Mix
E-liquid, or vape juice, can have different mixtures of two main ingredients: PG (Propylene Glycol) and VG (Vegetable Glycerol).
- PG gives a strong throat feeling and good flavor but doesn't make big clouds.
- VG gives a smooth throat feeling, good flavor, and makes big clouds.
PG/VG Ratio
Some disposable vapes may have a specific ratio of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) in the e-liquid.
Pod
A vape pod is like a little tank that holds the liquid for your e-cigarette. When your e-cigarette uses a pod, it's called a "pod kit." The pod sticks to the battery with magnets.
Pod Kit
A pod kit is a popular type of e-cigarette. Instead of a big tank, it uses a smaller pod. A pod kit has two main parts: a battery and a pod. It's easy to use and great for both new and experienced vapers who want a small, hassle-free device.
Polyethylene Glycol (PG)
One of the two primary base substances used in e-Liquids.
Polyfil
The standard filler material used by many manufacturers in their cartridges.
R
RBA (Re-Buildable Atomiser)
An atomizer that allows users to create their own coils.
RDA (Rebuildable Dripping Atomiser)
An atomizer that enables users to build their own coils, but does not have a reservoir for e-liquid. Instead, users drip e-liquid directly onto the coil.
Refillable Pods (Open System Pods)
These pods can be filled with your preferred vape juice multiple times, offering a cost-effective alternative to disposable or pre-filled pods.
Replacement Coil
The component in the atomizer/clearomizer that needs to be changed out when it wears out. This screw-in/screw-out system reduces waste and is more economical than disposable tanks.
Resistance
The electrical resistance offered by an atomizer.
Rebuildables
These are tanks or atomizers used by experienced vapers that allow for the replacement of coils and wicks.
S
Silica
The most commonly used material for wicks.
Smoke Juice
Term used to describe e-Liquid.
Smokeless Cigarette
A term applied to e-cigarettes, denoting their lack of smoke.
Spitback
When hot e-liquid droplets pop out of the drip tip.
Starter Kits
Bundled packages offered by many e-cigarette companies that include everything needed to begin vaping.
Steeping
The process of aging an e-Liquid, allowing the ingredients to settle through exposure to air.
Sub-ohming
A technique used by experienced vapers to create very large vapor clouds.
T
Tank
A chamber, typically made of glass or plastic, that holds the e-Liquid.
Throat Hit
The sensation experienced at the back of the throat when the vapor reaches it. Many users seek to replicate the throat hit of traditional cigarettes.
Tobacco
A plant predominantly cultivated in the U.S.A, South America, and parts of Europe. In vaping, nicotine is often derived from the tobacco plant, but it's less harmful as it's not burned, avoiding the production of harmful toxins. This has facilitated many former smokers in successfully transitioning to vaping.
Tobacco Harm Reduction
Efforts aimed at minimizing the harm caused by tobacco smoking, which includes assisting individuals in quitting smoking and transitioning to less harmful alternatives.
TPD
An abbreviation for the Tobacco Products Directive.
Type-C
An upgraded version of the USB charging cable known for its rapid charging abilities and symmetrical connection, making it more popular than its predecessor.
U
USB Charger
A commonly used charger for various devices, including vape kits. Its popularity has slightly diminished with the rise of the USB-C charger.
USB Passthrough
A device that can be directly plugged into a USB port to provide power or recharge the e-cigarette.
V
Vape Butter
The residue that can accumulate on atomizers due to overfilling.
Vape Juice
Another term for e-liquid, often referred to simply as "juice."
Vape Liquid
A term used to describe e-liquid.
Vape Store
A vape shop is a dedicated store where you can find a wide range of vaping products. For a diverse selection and worldwide shipping, consider checking out punkjuice.com.
Vaper
The term used to describe an individual who uses an electronic cigarette.
Vaper's Tongue
This happens when you lose your ability to taste flavors after vaping the same liquid for too long. Switching to a different flavor can help refresh your taste buds and bring back the full taste experience.
Vape/Vaping
The act of using an electronic cigarette.
Variable Voltage (VV)
Allows a user to adjust the voltage output on their device.
Variable Wattage (VW)
Allows a user to adjust the wattage output on their device.
Vapor
The cloud of particles produced by an electronic cigarette.
Vapour Production
It's the amount of vapor generated when using your vape device. A lower-powered setup like a pod kit will produce less vapor compared to a high-powered cloud tank, which can run at much higher settings.
Vegetable Glycerol or Glycerine (VG)
One of the two primary base substances used in creating e-Liquids.
W
Watt/Wattage
A unit of power. 1 Watt is equal to 1 Joule per second.
Wick
The material that soaks up e-liquid and delivers it to the heating coil of the atomizer.
Z
Zero-Nic
An e-Liquid with no Nicotine content.