Glossary

Confused with all the new jargon and acronyms? You're in the right place. Here we present a list of just some of those we've come across. Feel free to contact us if you think we should add something to the list.

 

AIO (All-In-One) Vape
AIO vapes, short for All-In-One vapes, are versatile vaping devices that integrate the components of a traditional vape setup into a single, compact unit. They typically combine a battery, a refillable e-liquid tank or pod, and a heating coil in one cohesive design. AIO vapes are appreciated for their user-friendly approach, offering easy refilling and coil replacement without the complexities of separate components. These devices often strike a balance between convenience and customisability, making them suitable for both newcomers and experienced vapers. AIO vapes come in various shapes and sizes, with some models allowing adjustments to airflow and power settings. Their flexibility and hassle-free nature make them a popular choice for vapers seeking an uncomplicated yet adaptable vaping experience.

Analog
A regular tobacco cigarette.

Anodising / anodizing
A method used to seal, finish, and colour aluminium.

Atomiser
The part of the electronic cigarette that heats up to vapourise the e-liquid.

Atty
Abbreviation for atomiser.

APV
Abbreviation for Advanced Personal Vaporiser or modified e-cig (MOD).

Automatic e-cig
An electronic cigarette which activates through suction on the mouthpiece rather than by the manual activation of a button. Also known as auto-puff and puff-activated.

Batt
Abbreviation of the word battery.

BP
Big pharmaceutical companies.

BT
Big tobacco companies.

Cart
Abbreviation of the word cartridge.

Cartomiser / cartomizer
An atomiser built into the cartridge, marketed as disposable - Also see clearomiser.

Cartridge
A plastic mouthpiece usually containing diluted nicotine solution (e-juice) suspended within some type of wadding or filler.

Carto
Abbreviation for cartomiser.

Cig-a-like
An ecigarette that is designed to "look and feel" as close to a traditional cigarette as possible, usually ineffective for long term use.

Clearomiser/Clearomizer
A clear walled cartomiser in which the juice level can be seen.

Cutoff
Refers to how long the battery will activate the atomiser before shutting down temporarily as a safety measure to protect the atomiser.

DL (Direct Lung)
DL vaping involves taking a deep and direct inhale of the vapour into the lungs, akin to breathing in deeply. This method typically requires devices with higher wattages and lower resistance coils, resulting in a greater amount of vapour production. DL vaping is favoured by those seeking substantial cloud production and a more direct hit to the lungs. It often provides a more intense flavour experience due to the larger amount of vapour produced.

Disposable Vapes
Disposable vapes, also referred to as disposable e-cigarettes or cig-a-likes, are compact and self-contained vaping devices designed for single use. These devices come pre-filled with e-liquid and are equipped with an integrated battery and heating element. Disposable vapes are designed to be simple and convenient, requiring no refilling or charging. Once the e-liquid is depleted or the battery is exhausted, the entire device is discarded. Disposable vapes are often favoured by beginners or those seeking a hassle-free vaping experience, as they offer a no-fuss approach to vaping without the need for maintenance or complicated setups. However, their limited battery life and fixed flavour options should be considered when choosing them as an option for vaping.

DCA / 306DCA
Abbreviation for the 306 Drip Cup Adapter, (306DCA), designed and made by GoodSense Vapor in the USA. Now discontinued due to the decline of the 306 atomiser.

Draw
See inhale

Dripping
Vaping by adding a few drops of e-liquid directly on the atomiser instead of using a cartridge. 

Drip Tip
A hollow mouthpiece which is used to enable dripping directly to the atomiser without removal of the tip, or just used as a mouthpiece.

E-cig
Abbreviation for electronic cigarette.

E-juice
See e-liquid.

E-liquid
The liquid used in electronic cigarettes that contains propylene glycol and/or glycerine, flavorings, and nicotine.

E-NI / E-NIC
Electronic Nicotine Inhaler - another name for the electronic cigarette.

Fluval
A type of foam filter used in aquariums - some people used to use this substance to replace the old fibre type filling found in old-school electronic cigarette cartridges.

Genesis / Gen
A type of rebuildable tank atomiser for advanced vapers. It uses oxidised stainless steel as a wick instead of the more common glass-fibre wick seen in mass produced atomisers. Also see Rebuildable atomiser.

Inhale
The act of breathing the vapour into your lungs. (also see Direct Lung inhale (DL) and Mouth to Lung inhale (MTL))

Juice
See e-liquid.

Kanthal
Kanthal is a type of resistance wire commonly used in vaping coils. It is composed of an iron-chromium-aluminium alloy and is highly regarded for its excellent resistance to heat and oxidation. In the context of vaping, Kanthal wire is widely employed due to its consistent heating properties, which contribute to producing vapour. When an electrical current passes through the Kanthal wire in a vaping coil, it heats up and vaporises the e-liquid, creating the vapour. Kanthal wire is favoured by many coil builders for its durability, ease of use, and ability to provide a reliable vaping experience. Its availability in various gauges allows vapers to customise the resistance and heating characteristics of their coils to suit their preferences, resulting in a more tailored and satisfying vape.

Low resistance / low voltage (LR/LV)
See All About Atomiser Resistances

mAh
Abbreviation for Milliampere-hour, which is used to describe the capacity or energy charge that a battery will hold before it needs recharging.

Manual e-cig
An electronic cigarette which activates through the user pressing a small button (like most modern e-cigs).

mg strength
Indicates the amount of nicotine contained within the e-liquid in milligrams per millilitre. For example, 18mg is 18mg of nicotine per ml which is approximately 1.8% nicotine.

Mod
Abbreviation for modified e-cig - often used to describe individually designed e-smoking devices that are specially built to use standard li-ion batteries (or different combinations of batteries).

MTL (Mouth to Lung) Vaping
MTL, or Mouth to Lung vaping, is a vaping style that simulates the way many people naturally inhale from conventional cigarettes. In MTL vaping, users draw the vapour into their mouths first and then inhale it into their lungs. This method often involves devices with higher resistance coils and lower wattages, resulting in less vapour production compared to other vaping styles. MTL vaping is favoured by individuals seeking a vaping experience similar to smoking, with a focus on replicating the sensation and throat hit associated with traditional cigarettes. It is often chosen by those looking for a discreet, flavourful, and more restrained vaping experience.

N80 (Nichrome 80)
N80, also known as Nichrome 80, is a specific formulation of the nichrome alloy widely utilised in vaping coil construction. With its composition of nickel and chromium, N80 exhibits rapid heating capabilities and commendable resistance to high temperatures. This wire variation is favoured by coil enthusiasts due to its quick ramp-up time and consistent heating properties. When incorporated into a vaping coil, N80 wire promptly converts electrical energy into heat, leading to the evaporation of e-liquid and the generation of vapour. Vapers often select N80 wire for its ability to produce intense flavours and satisfying vapour production. The availability of N80 wire in varying gauges provides vapers with the flexibility to tailor their coils to attain preferred resistance levels and heating characteristics, contributing to a personalised and gratifying vaping experience.

Ni200
A wire material for use in temperature control (TC) atomisers, can only be used in combination with a mod that has this capability. Resistance levels are far too low to use on a standard mod so this material must only be used with the TC function activated on the device. See Temperature control (TC)

Nichrome
Nichrome, short for nickel-chromium, is a type of resistance wire frequently utilised in vaping coils. Composed of a blend of nickel and chromium, this alloy boasts notable heat-resistant and conductivity properties. In the vaping context, nichrome wire's capability to heat up rapidly and consistently is put to use in coil construction. When an electrical current courses through the nichrome wire within a vaping coil, it swiftly heats up, leading to the vaporisation of the e-liquid and the creation of vapour for inhalation. The characteristics of nichrome wire make it a preferred choice for coil builders who value its responsiveness and durability. The availability of nichrome wire in various gauges empowers vapers to fine-tune their coils' resistance and heating attributes according to their preferences, thus tailoring their vaping experience.

Nic-juice
See e-liquid

Nic Salts
Nicotine occurs naturally in tobacco leaves in the form of a salt, which isn't easily absorbed by our bodies. In the 1960s, cigarette companies developed freebase nicotine by adding ammonia to natural nicotine salts, increasing bioavailability and providing a stronger nicotine hit. Freebase nicotine, commonly used in e-liquids and nicotine replacement therapies, can be harsh on the throat at higher strengths, especially in high-wattage setups. A new process was developed which makes natural nicotine salt more absorbable, mimicking the sensation of smoking and providing a smoother throat hit. Nic salts are popular in lower wattage, mouth-to-lung setups. 

NRT
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (patch, gum, etc).

Ohm (O)
The standard unit of electrical resistance. Also see All About Atomiser Resistances. Also see Sub-ohm.

Passthrough
An electronic cigarette "battery" that is attached directly to a USB port or hub, or USB plug. It's always available to use and it means there is no need to drain regular batteries while sitting near a computer.

PCC
Personal (or portable) charging case - allows an electronic cigarette battery to be stored and charged whilst on the move. The advent of larger e-cig models have made most PCCs obsolete.

PEG
Polyethylene Glycol - a less common ingredient found in e-liquid.

Pods
Pods, also known as vape pods or pod cartridges, are a type of e-cigarette component used in pod-based vaping systems. These small, detachable units serve as both the e-liquid reservoir and the heating element in such systems. Pods typically come pre-filled with e-liquid or can be refilled by the user, offering a convenient and mess-free option for vaping. With their compact design and ease of use, pods have gained popularity among both beginners and experienced vapers. They come in various nicotine strengths and flavour options, catering to a wide range of preferences. The pod design also allows for quick and hassle-free coil replacements, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable vaping experience without the need for complex maintenance.

PG
Propylene Glycol (PG) is a colourless, nearly odourless, viscous liquid with a faintly sweet taste. PG is commonly mixed in solution with nicotine and flavourings to make e-liquid. PG is used is to dilute the nicotine, give the solution a thinner viscosity and provide a good throat hit. PG is NOT ethylene glycol, the very toxic chemical in anti-freeze (although PG is sometimes used in lower toxicity anti-freeze applications). Only Food-safe propylene glycol should be used for vaping.

Protected (batteries)
A battery which has a computer chip at the base, which protects the battery and breaks the circuit in the battery from completing if the voltage goes too high or too low, the current goes too high or the cell temperature rises too high. Also see unprotected (batteries)

PT
see passthrough

PTB
Pyramid Tea Bags - some vapers used to use this substance in place of standard polyester fibre type filling in old-school cartridges.

Pull
The act of sucking on the mouthpiece to pull the vapour into your mouth.

PV
Personal Vaporiser - another name for the electronic cigarette.

RDL (Restricted Direct Lung)
RDL vaping falls between DL and MTL (Mouth to Lung) vaping styles. In RDL, vapers inhale the vapour directly into the lungs, but the draw is somewhat restricted compared to traditional DL vaping. Devices designed for RDL usually offer adjustable airflow, allowing users to fine-tune their preferred level of restriction. RDL vaping strikes a balance between cloud production and flavour intensity, making it appealing to vapers who enjoy a more relaxed inhaling experience while still seeking satisfying vapour and flavour production.

Rebuildable / Repairable Atomiser (RBA)
A form of advanced atomiser featuring a user-replaceable coil which can be rebuilt many times.

Rebuildable Tank atomiser (RTA)
A tank containing e-liquid with an attachment point for the user to remove and replace the coil and wick at will.

Rebuildable dripping atomiser (RDA)
An atomiser with an attachment point for the user to remove and replace the coil and wick at will, requires the user to drip the e-liquid onto the wick when required.

Shortfill (E-liquid)
A shortfill, commonly referred to as a shortfill e-liquid or simply "shortfill," is a type of e-liquid product that has become popular due to regulations surrounding the sale of nicotine-containing e-liquids in 10ml bottles. In a shortfill, a larger bottle is partially filled with nicotine-free e-liquid, leaving space at the top. This space is intended for users to add their own nicotine shots.

Sub-Ohm vaping
A term associated with atomisers with resistance ratings below 1.0O Requires more air flow than standard >1.0O vaping and requires the use of a mod or battery device with safety features to safely allow higher power delivery. Also see resistance, Direct lung, and Ohm.

Temperature control (TC)
Next generation mods with TC have the ability to regulate the heat delivered means of measuring the resistance change in a coil. Certain materials are required such as Ni200, Titanium, or Stainless steel wire. See also Ni200

Throat Hit
Throat hit refers to the sensation of a slight, often satisfying, tickling or tightening feeling in the throat when inhaling the vapour produced by an e-cigarette or vaping device. This sensation is often associated with the presence of nicotine in the e-liquid, as well as the type of device and e-liquid used. A more pronounced throat hit can simulate the sensation of smoking traditional cigarettes, which some users find appealing during their transition from smoking to vaping. E-liquids with higher nicotine concentrations and certain vaping devices, such as those with higher power settings, can contribute to a stronger throat hit. However, personal preferences vary, and vapers may choose nicotine strength and device settings to achieve the desired level of throat hit for a more tailored and satisfying vaping experience.

Topping off
Adding drops of e-liquid to the current cartridge.

Unprotected (batteries)
The battery does not have separate protection against extreme battery events. Also see protected (batteries).

USB passthrough
See passthrough.

Vape, vaping
The use of an electronic cigarette - similar to the term "smoking" when referring to an analog cigarette.

Vaper
The name given to the user of the electronic cigarette - similar to the term "smoker" when referring to an analog cigarette user

Vapour / vapor
The smoke-like mist that is emitted from an electronic cigarette.

Vent holes
Special holes made in the casing of high-end PVs or mods, to vent battery gases away from the face in case of battery explosion

VG
Vegetable Glycerine - a common ingredient found in e-liquid. Sweet tasting and of low toxicity, it is thicker than Propylene Glycol and is usually used where thicker liquid or vapour is desired or where a PG sensitivity is present.

VV
Abbreviation for Variable Voltage. Describes a mod or APV which features the ability for the user to alter the voltage produced by the device in order to change the vaping experience.

Watts
Used to measure/describe the power output or heat produced.

Wick
An atomiser's heating element is wrapped around a wick which will continually supply e-liquid to the coil. In mass-produced atomisers/cartomisers, this was once a glass-fibre material, but current wick materials are mostly made from cotton. Oxidised stainless steel wicks are commonly used in rebuildable atomiser and Genesis tanks, but this is pretty old technology and not in common use currently.