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Vaping comes with a language of its own. Even a simple product description may mention pods, mesh coils, MTL airflow, nic salts, resistance and wattage before it gets around to explaining what the device actually does.
This vaping glossary translates the most common vaping terms into plain English. It includes the words you are likely to see when choosing a vape kit or e-liquid, along with a few older terms that still appear in guides, product manuals and conversations between experienced vapers.
You do not need to memorise the whole dictionary. Use the links below to jump directly to the term that has left you scratching your head.
The Five Terms Every New Vaper Should Know
A pod holds the e-liquid, a coil heats it, the wattage controls how much power reaches the coil, the resistance helps determine how the coil performs, and the nicotine strength tells you how much nicotine the e-liquid contains. Everything else becomes much easier once those pieces are clear.
Vaping Terms Beginning with Numbers
- 0mg
- An e-liquid containing no nicotine. It may also be described as zero-nicotine or nicotine-free vape juice.
- 2ml
- The maximum capacity generally permitted for a nicotine-vape tank, pod or cartridge supplied to consumers under current UK product regulations.
- 10ml
- The maximum bottle size in which nicotine-containing e-liquid is generally sold in the UK. Larger shortfill bottles are allowed because they contain no nicotine when sold.
- 20mg/ml
- The maximum nicotine concentration generally permitted in standard consumer e-liquids under current UK regulations. It is equivalent to a nicotine concentration of 2%.
- 510 Connection
- A widely used threaded connection that joins a vape tank or rebuildable atomiser to a mod. The term comes from the connection’s original design: ten threads measuring approximately 0.5mm each.
A
- ADV or All-Day Vape
- An e-liquid flavour that someone enjoys enough to vape regularly throughout the day without becoming tired of it.
- Airflow
- The air that passes through a vape when you inhale. More airflow usually creates a looser draw and cooler vapour, while less airflow produces a tighter draw and can make the vapour feel warmer.
- Airflow Control
- A slider, dial or rotating ring that allows you to adjust the amount of air entering the device. Closing it produces a tighter inhale; opening it creates an airier inhale.
- AIO or All-in-One
- A vape in which the battery and liquid-holding section form one compact system. Modern pod kits are often described as all-in-one devices even when the pod itself is removable.
- Amp or Ampere
- A unit used to measure electrical current. Amperage is particularly important when using replaceable batteries or advanced mechanical devices, because a battery must be capable of safely supplying the current requested by the coil.
- Atomiser or Atomizer
- The part of a vape that turns e-liquid into vapour. Strictly speaking, the atomiser includes the heating coil and surrounding components, although people often use “atomiser” and “coil” to mean roughly the same thing.
- Auto-Draw
- A feature that activates the device automatically when you inhale through the mouthpiece. An auto-draw vape does not require you to hold a fire button while taking a puff.
B
- Battery
- The rechargeable power source inside a vape. Some devices have a permanently installed internal battery, while larger mods may use removable cylindrical batteries.
- Battery Capacity
- The amount of electrical charge a battery can store, normally stated in milliamp-hours or mAh. A higher figure usually indicates longer use between charges, although power output and vaping habits also affect battery life.
- Big Puff Vape
- A reusable device designed to provide a large estimated number of puffs before its pod or refill container needs replacing. Modern UK big-puff devices commonly use rechargeable batteries with replaceable prefilled pods or refill containers rather than being entirely disposable.
- Box Mod
- A relatively large box-shaped vaping device. Box mods often have adjustable wattage, a display and either a large internal battery or one or more replaceable batteries.
- Bypass Mode
- A setting found on some regulated mods that delivers power in a way that resembles a mechanical device. The output falls as the battery discharges, although the mod usually retains basic electronic safety protections.
C
- Cartomiser or Cartomizer
- An older component that combined an atomiser with absorbent material for holding e-liquid. Cartomisers were commonly used with early cigarette-shaped e-cigarettes but have largely been replaced by pods and tanks.
- Chain Vaping
- Taking many puffs in rapid succession with very little time between them. Chain vaping can prevent the wick from absorbing e-liquid quickly enough, increasing the risk of a dry hit.
- Cigalike
- An early style of e-cigarette designed to resemble a tobacco cigarette. Cigalikes are generally slim and may use either a disposable body or a rechargeable battery with small replaceable cartridges.
- Clearomiser or Clearomizer
- An older name for a transparent refillable tank containing a coil and wick. Clearomisers allowed users to see the remaining liquid level and were an important step between early cartomisers and modern vape tanks.
- Cloud Chasing
- Vaping with the goal of producing especially large vapour clouds. Cloud chasing normally involves a powerful direct-to-lung device, an open airflow setting and high-VG e-liquid.
- Coil
- The replaceable component that heats e-liquid. A coil contains a metal heating element and an absorbent wick, usually made from cotton. Some pods have the coil permanently built in.
- Coil Gunk
- Dark residue that collects on a coil after repeated use. Sweeteners and flavouring ingredients can contribute to buildup, which may eventually reduce flavour, darken the e-liquid and shorten the coil’s useful life.
- Coil Head
- A complete replaceable coil unit designed to be pushed or screwed into a pod or tank. The coil head normally contains the heating element, wick, casing and liquid inlet holes.
- Coil Resistance
- The electrical resistance of a vape coil, measured in ohms. Lower-resistance coils generally use more power and produce more vapour, while higher-resistance coils are commonly used for lower-powered, tighter-draw vaping.
- Condensation
- Small droplets formed when vapour cools inside the mouthpiece, pod or device. A little condensation is normal, but it should be wiped away occasionally to keep the contacts and airflow channel clean.
- Cut-Off
- A safety feature that stops a vape from firing after a set number of seconds. This helps prevent accidental activation and reduces the risk of the coil overheating during an unusually long puff.
D
- Direct-to-Lung or DTL
- An inhaling style in which vapour is drawn directly into the lungs in one slow breath. DTL devices have open airflow, use relatively low nicotine strengths and normally produce large amounts of vapour.
- Disposable Vape
- A device designed to be discarded in its entirety when the battery or e-liquid runs out. Selling or supplying single-use vapes has been prohibited in the UK since 1 June 2025. Rechargeable devices with replaceable pods or refill containers are reusable and remain available. See the GOV.UK single-use vape guidance.
- Draw
- The act of inhaling through a vape. The term can also describe how the inhale feels, such as a tight cigarette-like draw or a loose, airy draw.
- Draw Activation
- Another name for auto-draw or inhale activation. An internal sensor detects the change in air pressure when you inhale and switches the coil on automatically.
- Draw Resistance
- The amount of effort required to inhale through a device. Tight draw resistance feels similar to a cigarette, while low draw resistance feels much airier.
- Drip Tip
- The removable mouthpiece fitted to many vape tanks and rebuildable atomisers. Some use a standard size and can be replaced with a different shape or material.
- Dry Burn
- Heating a rebuildable coil without e-liquid or cotton, usually in an attempt to remove residue or identify uneven heating. It is an advanced maintenance technique and should not be performed on ordinary replaceable coils or pods.
- Dry Hit
- A hot, harsh and burnt-tasting puff caused by firing the coil when its wick does not contain enough e-liquid. Common causes include a low liquid level, excessive wattage, chain vaping or failing to prime a new coil.
- Dual Coil
- An atomiser containing two heating coils rather than one. Dual-coil configurations may offer greater vapour production but generally require more power and consume e-liquid more quickly.
E
- E-Cigarette
- Another name for a vape or electronic cigarette. The term was especially common when most devices were designed to resemble cigarettes, but it still appears in legislation and public-health guidance.
- E-Liquid
- The liquid heated by a vape to produce vapour. It normally contains propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine and flavourings, with nicotine included when required. It is also called vape juice or e-juice.
- E-Liquid Ratio
- The proportion of vegetable glycerine to propylene glycol in an e-liquid. A 50/50 liquid contains roughly equal amounts of VG and PG, while a 70/30 liquid normally contains 70% VG and 30% PG.
- External Battery
- A removable battery installed in a vape mod. Common formats include 18650, 20700 and 21700 cells. External batteries require an appropriate device, intact wrapping and careful handling.
F
- Filling Port
- The opening through which e-liquid is added to a pod or tank. It may be covered by a rubber plug or revealed by sliding, twisting or removing part of the top section.
- Fire Button
- The button held while taking a puff from a manually activated vape. On many devices, five rapid clicks also switch the vape on or off.
- Flavour Chaser
- A vaper who prioritises flavour quality and accuracy rather than producing the largest possible clouds.
- Flooding
- A condition in which too much e-liquid enters the centre of the coil. A flooded coil may gurgle, leak or spit small droplets through the mouthpiece.
- Freebase Nicotine
- The traditional form of nicotine used in e-liquid. Freebase nicotine usually produces a more noticeable throat hit as the strength increases and is common in standard 50/50 liquids and low-strength high-VG e-liquids.
G
- Genesis Atomiser
- An older style of rebuildable tank atomiser in which the tank sits below the coil and liquid travels upwards through a wick. Genesis atomisers often used rolled stainless-steel mesh and are rarely recommended for beginners.
H
- High-VG E-Liquid
- An e-liquid containing a relatively high proportion of vegetable glycerine, commonly 70% or more. High-VG liquids are thick, produce dense vapour and are normally intended for powerful sub-ohm devices.
- Hot Spot
- A small part of a coil that becomes hotter than the rest. Hot spots are mainly discussed when building coils for rebuildable atomisers and can cause uneven heating or an unpleasant metallic taste.
I
- Inhale Activation
- A system that switches the device on when the user inhales. It means the same thing as draw activation or auto-draw.
- Integrated Battery
- A rechargeable battery permanently installed inside a vaping device. It is charged through the device’s USB port and is not intended to be removed by the user.
J
- Juice
- An informal shortened name for e-liquid or vape juice. Despite the name, it is not a drink and should never be swallowed or left within reach of children or pets.
- Joule
- A unit of energy. Joules sometimes appear on devices with temperature-control settings, although wattage is the power measurement most vapers encounter during ordinary use.
K
- Kanthal
- An iron, chromium and aluminium alloy commonly used as resistance wire in vape coils. Kanthal is reliable in standard wattage mode but is not normally used for temperature-control vaping.
L
- Leaking
- E-liquid escaping from the pod, tank or airflow openings. Possible causes include damaged seals, incorrect filling, a worn coil, unsuitable e-liquid, pressure changes or leaving a device in excessive heat.
- LED
- A small light-emitting diode used to show information such as battery level, charging status, power mode or error warnings. The meaning of each colour or flashing pattern varies by device.
- Low-Resistance Coil
- A coil with relatively low electrical resistance. It normally requires more power, heats a larger volume of e-liquid and produces more vapour than a high-resistance coil.
M
- mAh
- Short for milliamp-hour, a measurement of battery capacity. A 1,500mAh battery can generally operate longer between charges than a 1,000mAh battery in comparable conditions.
- Mechanical Mod or Mech Mod
- An unregulated device that connects a battery to an atomiser through a mechanical switch. It lacks the electronic power controls and safety protections found in regulated kits and is only suitable for users with a thorough understanding of batteries, resistance and electrical safety.
- Mesh Coil
- A coil that uses a perforated strip or sheet of metal rather than a simple round wire. Its broad heating surface can improve flavour consistency, vapour production and heating speed.
- mg or mg/ml
- The measurement normally used to state e-liquid nicotine strength. A 10mg/ml liquid contains 10 milligrams of nicotine in each millilitre of e-liquid.
- Mod
- A vaping device that supplies power to a tank or atomiser. The term originally referred to modified or homemade devices, but it now generally describes larger, adjustable battery units.
- Mouth-to-Lung or MTL
- An inhaling style in which vapour is drawn into the mouth before being inhaled into the lungs. MTL vaping uses a tight draw, modest vapour production and usually a relatively high nicotine strength.
N
- Nic Shot or Nicotine Shot
- A small bottle of unflavoured nicotine-containing e-liquid intended to be added to a nicotine-free shortfill. UK nicotine shots are commonly supplied in 10ml bottles, often at a strength of 18mg/ml.
- Nicotine Salt or Nic Salt
- A form of nicotine used in e-liquid that generally feels smoother than freebase nicotine at the same strength. Nic Salts are commonly sold in strengths such as 10mg and 20mg for use in low-powered pod kits.
- Nicotine Strength
- The concentration of nicotine in an e-liquid, usually shown in mg/ml or as a percentage. For example, 10mg/ml is equivalent to 1%, while 20mg/ml is equivalent to 2%.
- Nicotine-Free
- A vape or e-liquid containing no nicotine. Nicotine-free e-liquid is normally labelled 0mg.
O
- Ohm or Ω
- The unit used to measure electrical resistance. A coil labelled 0.6Ω has lower resistance than a 1.0Ω coil and will normally operate at a higher wattage.
- Ohm’s Law
- A formula describing the relationship between voltage, current and resistance. Regulated vape kits manage these values electronically, but understanding Ohm’s law is essential before using mechanical mods or building advanced coils.
- O-Ring
- A small rubber or silicone seal used to prevent e-liquid from escaping between parts of a pod, coil or tank. A damaged, displaced or missing O-ring can cause leaking.
P
- Passthrough Vaping
- Using a vaping device while it is connected to a charger. Not every device supports this feature, so check the manufacturer’s instructions rather than assuming it is safe to use while charging.
- PG or Propylene Glycol
- A thin, colourless ingredient used in e-liquid. PG carries flavour effectively and contributes to throat hit. E-liquids with more PG are generally thinner and produce less visible vapour.
- Pod
- A removable cartridge that holds e-liquid and connects to a pod vape. It may be refillable or prefilled and may contain either a built-in coil or a separately replaceable coil.
- Pod Kit
- A compact vaping device that uses a removable pod rather than a traditional glass tank. Pod kits are popular with beginners because they are portable and generally require very little setup. See the current range of Vape Kits.
- Prefilled Pod
- A sealed pod supplied with e-liquid already inside. It is attached to a compatible reusable battery and replaced when empty rather than being refilled from a bottle.
- Priming
- Allowing a new coil’s wick to absorb e-liquid before vaping. After filling a new pod or tank, it is generally wise to wait at least five minutes before taking the first puff.
- Puff Count
- An estimate of how many puffs a device, pod or refill may provide. Actual results vary because longer and deeper puffs use more e-liquid and battery power than short puffs.
MTL, RDL or DTL?
These abbreviations describe how airy the inhale is and how much vapour the device produces. MTL is the tightest and most cigarette-like, DTL is the loosest and cloudiest, and RDL sits between the two.
| Style | Draw | Vapour | Typical E-Liquid |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTL | Tight | Low to moderate | 50/50 liquid or nic salts |
| RDL | Moderately airy | Moderate | 50/50 or moderately high-VG liquid |
| DTL | Open and airy | High | High-VG, low-nicotine liquid |
R
- RBA or Rebuildable Atomiser
- A general term for an atomiser in which the user installs and wicks the coil rather than replacing a factory-made coil head. RDAs and RTAs are both types of RBA.
- RDA or Rebuildable Dripping Atomiser
- A rebuildable atomiser without a conventional liquid tank. The user drips a small amount of e-liquid directly onto the coil and wick or supplies it from a squonk bottle.
- RDL or Restricted Direct-to-Lung
- An inhaling style between MTL and DTL. The vapour is inhaled directly into the lungs, but the airflow is more restricted and the vapour production is lower than with a fully open DTL device.
- Regulated Mod
- A vape mod controlled by an electronic chipset. It can regulate power and normally includes protections against problems such as short circuits, excessive current and over-discharge.
- Replaceable Battery
- A battery that can be removed from the vape and replaced. This allows a fresh charged cell to be installed, but the battery must be the correct type and remain in good physical condition.
- Resistance
- The opposition a coil provides to the flow of electrical current, measured in ohms. Resistance helps determine how much power the coil requires and the type of vaping experience it produces.
- RTA or Rebuildable Tank Atomiser
- A rebuildable atomiser with an e-liquid tank. The user builds and wicks the coil manually, while the tank supplies e-liquid during use.
S
- Shortfill
- A large bottle of nicotine-free e-liquid that is deliberately left partly empty. The unused space allows one or more nicotine shots to be added. A common example is 50ml of liquid supplied in a 60ml bottle.
- Single-Use Vape
- Another name for a disposable vape. The entire product is intended to be discarded when the liquid or battery is exhausted. These products can no longer legally be sold or supplied in the UK.
- Smart Mode
- A device setting that detects the installed coil and automatically selects or recommends an appropriate wattage. It helps reduce the chance of accidentally applying far too much power.
- Spitback
- Small, hot droplets of e-liquid travelling through the mouthpiece during a puff. Spitback usually occurs when the coil is flooded or excess liquid has collected in the central airflow channel.
- Squonk
- A vaping system in which a soft e-liquid bottle inside the mod feeds liquid upwards into an RDA. Squeezing the bottle is known as squonking.
- Starter Kit
- A vaping package containing the main components needed to begin, normally including a device, pod or tank, at least one coil and a charging cable. E-liquid is often sold separately.
- Sub-Ohm
- A coil or vaping setup with resistance below 1.0 ohm. The term is usually associated with higher power, open airflow, direct-to-lung inhaling and increased vapour production.
T
- Tank
- The liquid-holding component fitted to a vape mod or pen. A tank normally contains a replaceable coil and is made from a combination of metal, glass and seals.
- Temperature Control or TC
- A vaping mode that monitors changes in coil resistance to limit its temperature. It requires a compatible coil material and is now less common on everyday beginner devices than standard wattage mode.
- Throat Hit
- The sensation felt in the throat when inhaling vapour. Nicotine strength, nicotine type, PG content, airflow, flavour and vapour temperature can all affect its intensity.
- Top Airflow
- An airflow design that draws air into the device from above the coil or tank. It can help reduce leaking because the external airflow openings are positioned away from the base.
- Top Fill
- A pod or tank design that can be refilled from the top without removing the pod or turning the tank upside down. The port may be beneath a cap, sliding lid or rubber plug.
- TPD or TRPR
- TPD refers to the European Tobacco Products Directive. In the UK, people still commonly say “TPD-compliant”, but consumer vape requirements are implemented through the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 and later amendments. These rules include the familiar 2ml tank, 10ml nicotine-refill bottle and 20mg/ml strength limits. See the MHRA consumer-product guidance.
U
- USB-C
- A reversible charging connector used by many current vape kits. USB-C can support faster charging than older micro-USB connections, although the actual charging speed depends on the device.
V
- Vape
- As a noun, a vape is an electronic device that heats e-liquid to create an inhalable aerosol. As a verb, it means using that device.
- Vape Juice
- Another name for e-liquid. Bottled Vape Juice is available in different flavours, nicotine strengths and VG/PG ratios for use with refillable devices.
- Vaper
- A person who uses a vaping device.
- Vapour Production
- The amount of visible vapour created during a puff. Coil design, wattage, airflow, puff length and the e-liquid’s VG content all influence vapour production.
- Variable Wattage or VW
- A feature that allows the user to increase or decrease the power supplied to the coil. Higher wattage generally creates warmer, denser vapour but must remain within the coil’s supported range.
- VG or Vegetable Glycerine
- A thick, mildly sweet liquid used as a major ingredient in e-liquid. VG helps create visible vapour and makes the liquid thicker.
- VG/PG Ratio
- The balance of vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol in an e-liquid. Small pod kits commonly suit 50/50 liquids, while high-powered sub-ohm devices generally use liquids containing more VG.
- Voltage
- The electrical force supplied by a battery. Most modern devices allow the user to select wattage instead, while the chipset calculates the voltage required for the installed coil.
W
- Watt or Wattage
- The measurement of power delivered to a vape coil. Increasing the wattage normally produces warmer vapour and more of it, but using more power than the coil supports can burn the wick.
- Wick
- The absorbent material that carries e-liquid towards the heating element. Most current replaceable coils use cotton, although other materials have also been used.
- Wicking
- The movement of e-liquid through the wick towards the heating coil. Poor wicking can cause weak flavour or dry hits, while excessive liquid entering the coil can cause flooding.
Z
- Zero Nicotine
- An e-liquid or prefilled product containing no nicotine. It is usually labelled 0mg or nicotine-free.
Why Are Some Letters Missing?
A useful glossary does not need to invent a term for every letter of the alphabet. Letters such as Q, X and Y currently have no widely used vaping terms that would genuinely help a beginner, so we have resisted the temptation to make something up. The older vaping internet was not always so restrained.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vaping Terms
What is the difference between a pod and a coil?
The pod holds the e-liquid and attaches to the device. The coil sits inside the pod and heats the liquid. Some pods have a built-in coil, so you replace the entire pod when the coil wears out. Others allow the coil to be replaced separately.
What do MTL, RDL and DTL mean?
They describe inhaling styles. MTL means mouth to lung and provides a tight, cigarette-like draw. RDL means restricted direct to lung and provides a moderately airy draw. DTL means direct to lung and produces the loosest draw and largest clouds.
What does 0.8 ohm mean on a vape pod?
It means that the coil has a resistance of 0.8 ohm. It will usually provide a warmer, airier vape than a higher-resistance pod such as 1.2 ohm, but the exact experience depends on the device and airflow.
What does 50/50 mean on vape juice?
It means the e-liquid contains approximately equal proportions of vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol. A 50/50 blend is thin enough for most low-powered pod kits and provides a balance of flavour, throat hit and vapour.
What is the difference between nic salts and ordinary vape juice?
“Ordinary” nicotine e-liquid usually contains freebase nicotine. Nic salts use a different nicotine formulation that generally feels smoother at strengths such as 10mg and 20mg. Both are forms of vape juice, but they can feel noticeably different to inhale.
What does sub-ohm mean?
Sub-ohm means that the coil’s resistance is below 1.0 ohm. Although many small pods now fall below that number, the term is still most strongly associated with powerful direct-to-lung devices that produce large amounts of vapour.
What is the difference between a vape tank and a pod?
A traditional tank normally screws onto a separate mod and uses a glass liquid chamber with replaceable coil heads. A pod is lighter, usually made mainly from plastic and designed for one particular family of compact devices.
What vaping term should a beginner learn first?
Start with coil, pod, nicotine strength, VG/PG ratio and MTL. Those five terms will help you understand most beginner device and e-liquid descriptions.
Final Thoughts
Vaping terminology makes much more sense once you understand that most of it describes one of four things: the device, the coil, the e-liquid or the way the vapour is inhaled.
You do not need an electrical engineering qualification to use a basic pod kit. Learn the terms relevant to your own device and return to this vaping glossary whenever an unfamiliar abbreviation appears. There will probably be another one eventually. The vaping industry does enjoy an abbreviation.