Your electronic cigarette glossary!
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced vaper, we're sure you've already come across one or more strange words during your research. Our mission is to dust off all these terms to give you all the tools you need to understand the language used on the vape planet! This page is a bit like your dictionary of the electronic cigarette online.
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The drip tip 510 is a mouthpiece, part of the e-cigarette that is put in the lips. It can be shaped and made of different materials, with a more or less narrow duct, which also allows you to have, depending on its internal diameter, a draw with more or less resistance (MTL: tight draw / DL: air draw).
The 810 drip tip is a mouthpiece, the part of the e-cigarette that you put in your lips. They can be of different shapes and materials. The 810 drip tip has a larger mouthpiece diameter than the 510 drip tip. In general, this format is usually present on Sub-Ohm clearomizers (DL Aerial).
A
The accumulator is a rechargeable "battery" that powers electronic cigarettes that do not have a built-in battery. Available in several sizes, the most common being the 18650, 20700, 21700 or 18350. Its autonomy is expressed in mAh (Milliampere Hour).
In contrast to electronic boxes, for your mechanical boxes, it is essential for safety reasons to choose your battery carefully according to its maximum discharge rate expressed in Amperes (A). The lower the coil will be in ohm, the higher the Ampere rate must be (35 or 40A for coils equal or lower than 0.5 ohm).
Additives are liquids that you can add to your DIY preparations to make them sweeter, more acidic or even fresher. Often expressed in drops, be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Acronym for "all in one". The tank is then located in the body of the box or tube mod.
The airflows are holes located on the clearomizer or atomizer to bring air into the coil to vaporize your e-liquid. They are in 90% of the time adjustable and allow you to customize your draw. When the airflow is open to the maximum, the steam will be colder and you will have no coil during the draw. On the other hand, when the airflow is almost closed, the vapour will be hotter and you will feel a coil during the draw. Note: the airflow must always be open to vape, otherwise you risk burning your coil.
A type of wire used in an atomizer. It is composed of three thicker wires (core) around which is wound a thinner wire in the shape of "S", this process allows to have coils with a low value but also a high reactivity.
All-day is a term for an e-liquid that is vaped all day, every day. It generally represents the preferred e-liquids, which do not disgust the user in the long term.
Natural or synthetic flavourings are a component of e-liquids made to be vaporised and give taste to e-liquids.
The atomizer is the upper part of your equipment, it receives the liquid and the coil.
The atomizing chamber is a component of a rebuildable atomizer. It is often bell-shaped and surrounds the RBA part of the rebuildable atomizer or the coil. This allows the flavours to be more pronounced.
B
The batch is a series of numbers or letters that indicate the batch number of your e-liquid or electronic cigarette. You can think of it as its identity card
The battery is the bottom part of your electronic cigarette used to power your e-cig.
The bottom cap is a hatch usually located in the lower part of a mod to insert or remove a battery.
Bottom feeder is a term used when an electronic box contains a vial that can be filled with e-liquid and feeds a dripper through a pierced 510 pin.
Box is a very common word used in vape world to refer to a vape format with a rectangular battery. This one is adjustable and contains an internal battery that cannot be removed.
A box mod is a type of electronic cigarette similar to the box format but where you can insert a battery. Some box mods contain 1, 2 or 3 batteries to increase the autonomy.
Term used to designate the mounting of a coil on a rebuildable atomizer
Bypass is a feature on electronic mods that allows them to mimic the operation of a mechanical mod while maintaining the safety parameters of electronic mods.
C
The capacity of a battery is expressed in mAh (milliamps/hour). It is used to determine the autonomy of a battery.
The cartridge is the top part of a pod that clips onto the battery. It contains the liquid, the coil and the drip-tip. There are 2 types of cartridges:
- The open cartridges where it is possible to fill your e-liquid
- Sealed cartridges that are already pre-filled with liquid.
CBD is a molecule found in hemp and cannabis. Unlike THC, it does not contain psychotropic effects. It is used in particular to reduce stress and anxiety thanks to its relaxing effects and is marketed in 10 ml format like the nicotine e-liquids ready to vaper.
Ceramic is a material that has the property of being very heat resistant. It is specifically present in certain coils.
Chain vaping is a term used to describe the action of inhaling in quick succession.
Which vaper has never been surprised to read "Check atomizer" on his box ... Check atomizer is an error message that appears on your box when the atomizer or clearomizer is not recognized by your box. This problem is generally linked to your coil not being recognised.
The chipset is an essential electronic component of your vape that manages all the electronic parts. You can compare it to our brain. The chipset is powered by built-in software that operates your screen and the various modes of your electronic cigarette.
Clapton is the name given to a type of coil braided with resistive wire that makes up the resistance. Clapton is named after the famous guitarist Eric Clapton because of its resemblance to an electric guitar string. Mostly coils with a very low ohmic value that can handle high power, but known for its "diesel" effect.
A clearomizer is the top part that you usually screw or clip onto your box. It consists of the base, a coil, a tank, the top-cap and a drip tip. You will also sometimes hear about the atomizer. But beware, there is no such thing as a rebuildable clearomizer!
Cloud chasing is a discipline in the vape world that aims to make the biggest cloud of vapor.
A concentrate is a vial filled with flavourings used to make your own liquids (DIY). It should not be smoked on its own, it must be mixed with PG/VG base.
The term connector is used to refer to the thread that connects the clearomizer to the battery. The universal format is the 510 thread, also called pin 510.
A coil is an essential element of an electronic cigarette, located in the atomizer or clearomizer, it allows to heat and vaporize the e-liquid. It is composed of a coil (resistive wire in the form of a spring) and cotton.
The curve mode is a mode that allows you to vary the power or temperature of your electronic cigarette during your inhalation. This setting is done second by second and allows you to customize your vape. CCW (Watt) CCT (Temperature)
Custard is an e-liquid or concentrate with creamy vanilla flavours.
D
The deck is the tray of the atomizer that contains the positive and negative terminals for your coil.
Degassing is a phenomenon that occurs when a battery is short-circuited (too much power / too much discharge / bad contact / bad use). The battery burns from the inside and gives off a large amount of gas. The boxes are provided with holes on the bottom or on the sides so that the gas can escape and the box does not explode. It is therefore essential to use batteries that are in perfect condition.
Delrin is a polymer plastic (polyoxymethylene) used in the vape world for its thermal insulation properties.
Direct inhalation (DI) is an inhalation that goes directly into the lungs, without going through the mouth. This type of inhalation can be compared to that of a chicha with a long and slow aspiration generating a large volume of steam.
The DIY mode is a mode that combines all the other modes of your electronic cigarette.
DL (Direct Lung) refers to the fact that the vapour goes directly into the lungs.
DLR (Direct Lung Restrictive) is a type of inhalation that lies between DL and MTL vape
DIY (Do It Yourself) is a term used to describe liquids that you make yourself, i.e. by mixing base, flavourings and nicotine or not.
Double coil is a type of rebuildable assembly that requires two coils.
Down filling is a term used to describe the process of filling a cartridge or clearomizer from the bottom.
A drip tip is a mouthpiece on which you place your lips. It comes in either a 510 size (small and tight) or an 810 size (wider). Some drip tips are proprietary and therefore impossible to change.
This part is used to adapt an 810 drip tip to a 510 drip tip.
A dripper is a type of rebuildable tankless atomizer. You have to put e-liquid directly on the cotton or press a Bottom Feeder. Often considered the system with the best flavour rendition. Today, almost all drippers are equipped with a BF pin (hollow pin allowing the association of a BF box).
The dry burn consists of heating the coil (making it redden) without cotton and without e-liquid in order to clean it or during its installation (break-in).
A dry hit is a term used to describe the burnt taste produced by a coil that has reached the end of its life or is no longer supplied with e-liquid, this usually happens when you chain vape.
Dual coil is a term used to describe rebuildable atomisers that use two coils. The aim is to create a larger volume of vapor.
E
An e-cigarette kit refers to the whole of an electronic cigarette, including the clearomizer and the battery or box. Everything is included in the kit (replacement seals, USB cable, one or more replacement coils and instructions). All you have to do is order the e-liquid of your choice.
An e-liquid is a consumable that you put in your atomizer or clearomizer. It contains the flavours and evaporates on contact with the cotton heated by the coil. Composed of Propylene Glycol, Vegetable Glycerin, flavors and sometimes nicotine (not required).
E-pipe refers to an electronic pipe. The focus contains the battery and part of the pipe is replaced by the clearomizer.
The eco mode is a low power consumption mode to make the battery life last a little longer.
Ego is a specific connection between the clearomizer and the battery, very popular in the early 2010s. Today, the standard is the 510 connection.
F
Fire is an expression used when the power button of an electronic cigarette is pressed. In fact, it is called the "fire button".
The firmware is the program (firmware) integrated in the chipset of an electronic box. It manages the display, the power settings and the different mods (power, bypass, TC, etc.).
Flush is an expression used by vapers to indicate that the atomizer or clearomizer does not exceed the diameter of the box.
Full mechanical refers to a mechanical mod that is devoid of electronics and therefore without any possible adjustments.
Fused Clapton refers to a type of wire used in an atomiser. It is composed of two thicker wires (core) around which a thinner wire is wound, this process allows better resistance to high heat and power.
G
But what is a gobble ;). This is the phenomenon that occurs when the coil is flooded, you hear some kind of bubbles forming and when you vape, liquid rises and leaks are common. This is usually due to the fact that the wattage used is lower than recommended.
H
High end refers to high-end equipment, generally adopted by experienced vapers.
The hit is the sensation in the throat from the nicotine and the vapor in the larynx. When the hit is too strong and you feel like coughing, it means that the nicotine level or the strength is too high. The nicotine level should be adapted to the strength of the material. The higher the strength, the less nicotine is needed.
A hot spot is a term used in the rebuildable when a part of the coil heats up abnormally. (also known as a flash)
I
Indirect inhalation (ILI) refers to inhalation similar to that of a conventional cigarette. The vapor must be held in the mouth and then swallowed. Requires little power and is very suitable for beginners.
J
Juice is a term for e-liquids.
K
Kanthal is an alloy of iron, chromium and aluminium, very common in coils and resistors. It is suitable for all types of vaping and is very responsive. Perfect for beginners. You can find it in many wires like Nichrome, stainless steel, nickel, etc..
L
A longfill is a type of large format (20 ml) e-liquid without nicotine, where it is necessary to add PG/VG base and/or several nicotine boosters without losing flavour. This type of e-liquid is advantageous to have a large format with a nicotine level above 10 mg without losing flavour.
Low resistance (LR) is an error message when the coil value is too low and cannot be recognized by your box. Either the coil must be unscrewed / screwed back in, or the coil must be changed, or a more powerful battery is required (e.g. a dual battery box).
M
MAH is an abbreviation for milli Ampere hour. The capacity of your battery or accumulator. The higher the capacity, the longer the range, but the longer it takes to recharge your battery. (To optimise the life of your batteries, it is best to charge them with a battery charger)
The maximum discharge current is the limit in amperes (A) of a battery that should not be exceeded when using it. The value of the coil and the power are of great importance, especially on a mecha mod.
Mesh refers to a weave of metal wires that can be made of different materials: kanthal, SS316, or Ni80. Known to be more reactive than a resistive wire, it allows for a larger heating surface and a better restitution of flavours.
A micro-coil is a coil with tightly wound turns. More reactive than a coil with more distant turns. It is not used in temperature control (TC).
Micro-usb is a very common type of charging socket.
Micro-USB type C is a type of fast charging that is increasingly used.
A mod is a type of electronic cigarette in tubular form or mod box, carrying a rechargeable and interchangeable battery. It can be electronic (with screen, software and protections) called electronic mod or mechanical (without protection) called mechanical mod.
Moddeur refers to the craftsman who makes mods, exclusive boxes in limited quantities.
A mounting tray is the base of the rebuildable atomizer where you place your coil(s). There are several forms: post or postless.
MTL (Mouth To Lung) indirect inhalation is more simply called a tight draw. Inhalation is similar to that of a traditional cigarette. You have to keep the vapour in your mouth and then swallow it. Requires little power and is very suitable for beginners.
N
Ni80 is a Nichrome based wire which is less resistive and more reactive than Kanthal. It is used in the same modes as Kanthal. Nickel 80% / Chrome 20%.
Ni200 is a wire used exclusively for temperature control and heats much more than Kanthal.
Nicotine is a molecule that occurs naturally in tobacco leaves and is an essential element in smoking cessation. It produces the hit in the throat (contraction of the larynx) and delivers the dose of nicotine that your body requires. Nicotine is not mandatory in e-liquids and DIY.
We can not remind you enough, but nicotine is a non-carcinogenic substance!
A nicotine booster is a vial dosed from 10 to 20 mg/ml, and consists of PG and VG as a classic e-liquid. A booster is generally used to add nicotine in an e-liquid called "shortfill format" of more than 10 ml, but it can also be vaped as such for those seeking a neutral e-liquid (without flavors).
Nicotine overdosage is when the nicotine level is too high and you take in too much nicotine. Symptoms are headaches, nausea, heartburn, or increased excitement.
Nicotine salts are a different type of nicotine from the "base" nicotine that you can usually find in e-liquids or booster. This type of nicotine is the closest form to nicotine in its natural state and is extracted in liquid form from the tobacco leaf. Like the "base" nicotine, it is composed of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG) but this time with nicotine salts.
Its properties allow a smoother hit in the throat and thus a higher nicotine rate. You can find boosters in 20 mg / ml and e-liquids with nicotine salts in 5, 10 and 20 mg / ml.
Even if e-liquids with nicotine salts are an alternative to conventional nicotine, they are not for all vapers. It is important to know your needs and your profile before moving towards this type of nicotine.
O
An O-ring refers to the seals present in an atomizer and a clearomizer, allowing a good seal.
Ohm is a unit of measurement for electronic coils. Depending on the value of the ohm, you can adapt the power of the battery. The lower the ohms, the higher the power required.
The law of oHm is a physical law that relates three elements: the voltage (U) of the coil expressed in Volt (V), the value (R) of the coil in Ohm (Ω) and the intensity of the current (I) that crosses the coil in Ampere (A). This law must be mastered by all vapers who want to start rebuildable vaping. R = U/I
An Ohmmeter is a device for measuring coil resistance. Useful in the rebuildable to make its coil.
P
Passthrough is a function that allows you to recharge your electronic cigarette while vaping.
PCTG is a material that makes up the tank of the cartridges/pods, giving it extra strength.
The PG/VG base or propylene glycol/vegetable glycerine is the main element of an e-liquid. This base allows you to make your DIY preparation.
The PG/VG ratio is the amount (in percentage) of propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine contained in an e-liquid.
Plug&play refers to the sealed cartridge of a pod already filled with e-liquid and simply clipped onto the battery.
PMMA (Polymethylmethacrylate) is a transparent thermoplastic polymer that offers excellent UV and corrosion resistance. It is used for some e-liquid tanks and bottles because it does not retain flavour.
A Pod is a very compact piece of vape equipment that is usually used at low wattage because it contains a small battery.
A Potentiometer is a knob for adjusting a box. But unlike conventional knobs, the potentiometer changes volts, not watts.
A Post/Plot is part of a rebuildable that allows the coils to be attached.
Postless refers to a rebuildable tray that is postless (not visible, does not protrude from the tray) and where the coils are placed directly into the tray.
Power vaping is a discipline in the vape world that aims to make the biggest cloud of vapor.
The pre-heat mode is a mode that allows you to vary the power at the beginning of the inhalation.
Propylene Glycol (PG) is one of the three components of e-liquids and PG/VG bases. It is often associated with VG (Vegetable Glycerin). It gives the fluidity of the e-liquid, allows a good restitution of flavors and promotes the hit in the throat.
A puff refers to an inhalation after the fire button is pressed.
Pulse mode is the most standard mode that allows you to control the wattage of your e-cig by sending a steady load for a smoother vape.
Pyrex is the borosilicate glass material that makes up the tank of most clearomizers and atomizers.
R
The RBA base is a mounting tray that allows you to use your coils in your atomizer.
RDA (Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer) is another name for a dripper.
RDL (Restrictive Direct Lung) refers to restrictive airflow, also called restrictive DL.
A RDTA (Rebuildable Dripping Tank Atomizer) is a rebuildable atomizer with the tank located below the tray. The cotton must therefore "fall" into the tank.
The rebuildable refers to an atomizer whose coil is to do yourself. Better flavour reproduction compared to a clearomizer.
The replay mode is a mode that allows you to record your last inhalation. It is recommended that you use wires that are compatible with the temperature control.
A resistive wire is a wire that makes up the coil of an electronic cigarette. This wire is made of a resistive material, which, when an electric current is sent through it, heats up, allowing the e-liquid to evaporate on contact. Most commonly, the resistive wire is coiled (spiral) and looks like a small spring. It can be made of several different materials, which give it different heating and ohm properties (Kanthal, Nichrome 80, Nichrome 90, SS316L, etc...).
An RTA (Rebuildable Tank Atomizer) is an atomizer with a tank.
S
This is the connector that is located under your tank (screw). The 510 thread is now the universal connector, it allows you to screw your clearomizer or atomizer on your battery (box / mods / etc ...).
A set up is a combination of a clearomizer and a battery.
A shortfill is a vial of e-liquid in a large format (=/> 50 ml) without nicotine, where it is possible to add one or more nicotine boosters of 10 ml.
Side filling means filling from the side, especially for some cartridges/pods.
The single coil is the assembly of a rebuildable with a single coil. Opposed to the double coil.
The smart TC mode is an intelligent temperature control mode, as it recognises the type of wire used.
Coils are windings of the resistive wire of a coil.
Stainless Steel (SS) is a type of stainless steel resistive wire that can be used in Watt or temperature control.
Start-up is an important step when changing a coil. When installing your new coil, you must soak the cotton with your vial of e-liquid. You come to put a few drops inside your coil, then on the side and you repeat the operation until saturation. If you don't want to do this or you can't do it because the coil is sealed, you can fill your tank and wait 15 minutes.
Steep refers to the maturation time required for your DIY preparations. Gourmet flavours and tobaccos require more than 3 weeks, while fruity and minty flavours require only a few days.
Squonker is an English verb meaning "to press" and is used for Bottom Feeder boxes, when you press the vial to push the e-liquid up into your dripper.
Sub-ohm is a term that indicates that the value of a coil is less than 1 ohm and is intended to make a lot of steam. It is the epitome of direct draw.
The switch is the battery ON/OFF button.
This is a mode found on some e-cigs that allows you to have the screen turned off while retaining the fire function. So you can vape as usual but without the screen lighting up.
T
In current vocabulary, it refers to an atomizer or a clearomizer.
TCR (Temperature Coefficient of Resistance) is the program that measures the resistivity of the coil to temperature. This requires wires that are suitable for the temperature control mode.
Teflon is the material used for drip tips, as it conducts almost no heat.
Temperature control (TC) is an operating mode available on most electronic boxes that allows you to choose not a voltage, but a temperature as a parameter of use. It can be used with atomizers, or clearomizers used with Nickel (Ni200), Titanium (Ti) or Stainless Steel (SS) coils.
Not compatible with kanthal coils.
TFT (screen) is a term used for liquid crystal displays.
The thread is made up of grooves allowing two elements to be screwed together, in particular a clearomizer or atomizers on a box.
Titanium (TI) is a material used in resistive wires for temperature control only, but is hardly ever used anymore as it can be toxic.
The Top Cap is the upper part of the clearomizer on which you put the drip tip.
Top Filling refers to filling a clearomizer from the top.
Touchscreen refers to a mod where the screen is touch-sensitive, with no buttons other than the fire button.
Twisted coils are resistive wires that form a twist.
U
Ultem is a material used for the design of the tank of atomizers or drippers. It is very heat resistant and does not retain any taste. Often yellow in colour.
Some boxes need to be upgraded so that the program (chipset) is more powerful and can activate new features. These are available on the manufacturers' websites.
The term upgrade means to update your electronic mod, in order to activate the new features.
V
Vaper means a user of an electronic cigarette.
A vape band is a rubber band that surrounds the tank, protecting the pyrex of a tank.
A Vape-pen is a pocket-sized electronic cigarette that is shaped like a pen.
And yes, the world of vaping is no exception to the creation of new words. Vapology is the science of vaping!
Variable wattage means variation of watts, the most common mode.
Vegetable glycerine is one of the three main elements of an e-liquid. It is what gives the production of steam. The higher the level, the more vapor you will get.
VV means Variable Voltage for electronic cigarettes that only vary the volts (potentiometer).
VW stands for Variable Wattage. Variable wattage, the most common mode.
W
A Wrap is the coating of the battery that ensures good insulation.
Wrapping is a verb meaning to replace the outer protection of an accumulator when it is damaged.
Z
ZHC stands for Zero High Concentration. This is an e-liquid in a large format for which the flavour composition is boosted so that nicotine can be added without being diluted by it.