If you’re new to vaping, understanding its functions and wrapping your finger around complex terminology can pose a challenge. From selecting the perfect e-juice from a catalogue of thousands to deciding on a coil that best suits your device, navigating the world of vaping is easier with a little knowledge in your pocket. This glossary will help arm rookie vapers with need-to-know terminology that can make their vaping experience far more enjoyable.
A
Acetyl Propionyl. Similar to the chemical compound Diacetyl, this has been commonly associated with popcorn lung. Clean e-liquids are formulated without this compound.
Airflow. This is the amount of air supplied to the coils of your atomiser, which can dictate how your draw feels when inhaling from the device. More airflow produces more vapour.
All Day Vape. While some flavours tend to tire on the taste buds, these can be smoked all day without you feeling the need to switch out to a new flavour.
Atomiser. The part of your vape setup that contains coils and wicks, this is what heats your liquid, turning it into vapour.
C
Coil. The heating element inside your atomiser, this vaporises liquid that is on the wick.
D
Diacetyl. A flavouring used in some e-liquids to produce a buttery taste, Diacetyl has been linked to Bronchiolitis Obliterans if inhaled in large quantities.
Direct Lung Inhale. An airier type of inhalation, this produces more vapour than usual.
Drip Tip. The part of your atomiser from which you inhale.
Dripping. The action of dripping liquid into your atomiser.
Dry Hit. If your atomiser isn’t wicked properly, you may experience a foul, burnt, and dry taste known as a dry hit.
E
E-Juice. The liquid used in vapes and e-cigarettes.
E-Liquid. The liquid used in vapes and e-cigarettes.
F
Flooding. Occurs inside tank atomisers when there is too much liquid inside the chamber. It can cause juices to be inhaled when you smoke.
M
Mouth-to-Lung Inhale. A type of inhalation likened to that of smoking cigarettes, not as much vapour is produced. It packs more of a throat hit as it isn’t as airy as normal.
O
Ohm. A measure of electrical resistance, a lower reading makes for easier and faster heating. However, some users still prefer higher-ohm settings.
P
Pod Devices. Smaller mouth-to-lung devices, they are generally low-wattage and used with salt nicotine liquids. More like a cigarette, they produce less vapour and come with a tighter draw.
Propylene Glycol. Used in medical inhalers, it retains and enhances the flavour of e-liquids. It has a better throat hit than vegetable glycerin.
R
RDA (Rebuildable Dripping Atomiser). A rebuildable atomiser, there is no tank to hold liquid, requiring users to drip directly onto the wicks or cotton.
RTA (Rebuildable Tank Atomiser). This holds liquids in a chamber, feeding it down to the coils. Instead of buying pre-made coils, users must set up coils and wicks themselves.
S
Salt Nicotine. Used primarily for pod devices, these allow for higher nicotine levels while retaining a smooth hit. Because they enter the bloodstream quickly, they are more effective than standard nicotine liquids.
Steeping. Used to modify e-liquid flavours, this refers to the process of maturing liquids using different methods.
V
Vaping. The process of inhaling and exhaling vapour from an e-cigarette.
Vape Juice. Another term for e-juice or e-liquid.
Vapour Production. The amount of vapour produced according to the liquid you’re using and the settings on your device.
Vegetable Glycerin. An ingredient that comprises the majority of e-liquids that creates a light and sweet taste. It’s an organic compound derived from plant oils.
W
Watts. The power used to determine the amount of heat being supplied to your vaporiser.
Wick. A piece that supplies liquid to the coils inside atomisers. It is most commonly made of cotton.
Conclusion
To get the most out of your vaping experience, understanding terms and jargon is the first step. The more you know about what you’re getting into, the more efficiently you can build a device that best suits your tastes.
To purchase your first vape starter kit in the U.K., shop with us at No1 E Juice! You can enjoy much more for much less with our bundles and value packs.
