Plain-English definitions of common vaping terms. This page is designed as a reference rather than another beginner guide; for step-by-step help, use our Vape Starter Guide or Vape FAQs.
Devices and parts
Battery device or mod
The powered part of a vape. It may contain a built-in rechargeable battery or use removable cells. A regulated mod includes electronic protections and adjustable controls.
Cartridge
A general term for a replaceable container holding liquid or another consumable. In vaping, it is often used interchangeably with pod, although product designs differ.
Coil
The heating element and wicking material that turn e-liquid into aerosol. Coils are consumable and their working life varies with liquid, power and use.
Drip tip
The mouthpiece through which the aerosol is inhaled. Some are removable and use standard sizes; others are built into the pod or tank.
Pod
A compact cartridge that holds e-liquid. It may be refillable or sealed, and its coil may be built in or replaceable.
Prefilled pod system
A rechargeable device using sealed liquid-filled pods. The device is retained and the empty pod is replaced.
Refillable pod kit
A rechargeable device with a pod that the user fills from a bottle. It offers more liquid choice than most prefilled systems.
Tank
A larger refillable liquid reservoir, usually with a replaceable coil and adjustable airflow. Tanks are common on higher-power devices.
E-liquid and nicotine
50/50
An e-liquid with roughly equal proportions of vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol. It is suitable for many mouth-to-lung pods and coils.
E-liquid
The liquid heated by a vape. It normally contains PG, VG, flavourings and, where selected, nicotine.
Freebase nicotine
The traditional nicotine form used in many e-liquids. It generally gives a more noticeable throat hit as strength increases.
High VG
A thicker e-liquid containing a higher proportion of vegetable glycerine. It is intended mainly for larger, higher-power coils rather than small beginner pods.
Nicotine salt or nic salt
A nicotine formulation widely used in lower-power pod kits. Many users find it smoother at higher strengths than an equivalent freebase liquid.
Nicotine shot or nic shot
A small bottle of nicotine-containing liquid intended to be added to a compatible nicotine-free shortfill. The final strength depends on all volumes and strengths used.
PG: propylene glycol
A thinner base liquid that carries flavour and contributes to throat sensation. Higher-PG liquids can feel sharper and flow more easily through small coils.
Shortfill
A larger bottle of nicotine-free e-liquid with empty space left for one or more nicotine shots.
VG: vegetable glycerine
A thicker base liquid that produces denser vapour and a softer sensation. Very high-VG liquid may not wick properly in small pods.
Zero nicotine or 0mg
E-liquid containing no added nicotine. It may suit an existing nicotine-free vaper, but it may not manage cravings for someone switching from smoking.
Inhaling and technical terms
Airflow
The amount of air drawn through the device. Less airflow creates a tighter draw; more airflow creates an airier draw and can support greater vapour production.
Automatic draw
A device that activates when the user inhales rather than requiring a fire button.
Chain vaping
Taking repeated puffs with very little pause. This can overheat the coil or outpace its ability to absorb more liquid.
Direct-to-lung or DTL
An airier inhaling style in which aerosol is drawn directly into the lungs. It is commonly used with lower nicotine strengths and higher-power equipment.
Dry hit
A harsh burnt puff caused when the wicking material does not contain enough liquid. A severe dry hit can permanently damage the coil.
Flooding
Too much liquid entering the coil or airflow, often causing gurgling, spitting or leaking.
Mouth-to-lung or MTL
A tighter inhaling style similar to smoking: aerosol is drawn into the mouth first and then inhaled. Many beginner pod kits are designed for MTL use.
Ohm or Ω
The unit of electrical resistance. Coil resistance works together with device power and airflow; it should not be used alone to decide which liquid or nicotine strength is suitable.
Priming
Allowing a new coil or pod time to absorb liquid before use. This helps avoid burning dry wicking material.
Restricted direct-to-lung or RDL
An inhaling style between MTL and a fully open DTL draw. It uses more airflow than MTL but remains more restricted than a cloud-focused setup.
Sub-ohm
Traditionally, a coil with resistance below 1.0 ohm. In practice, the term is often used for higher-power, airier devices that produce more vapour.
Wattage
The power delivered to the coil. Too much power can burn or overheat it; too little can produce weak vapour or flooding. Follow the stated coil range.
Rebuildable terms
Deck
The part of a rebuildable atomiser where the user installs the coil and wicking material.
RDA
Rebuildable dripping atomiser. Liquid is applied directly to the coil and wick rather than held in a conventional tank.
RTA
Rebuildable tank atomiser. The user installs the coil and wick while a surrounding tank stores e-liquid.
RDTA
A rebuildable design combining aspects of an RDA deck with a liquid reservoir beneath or around it.
Resistance check
Measuring the completed coil before use to identify shorts or an unexpected resistance. Rebuildables require suitable equipment and battery knowledge.
Wicking
Installing absorbent material, normally suitable cotton, through or around the coil so that liquid reaches the heating surface.
Compatibility matters more than the label
Two parts can look almost identical and still be incompatible. Use the exact device model, pod family and coil designation rather than guessing from shape or resistance. If unsure, bring the device or a clear photograph of the label into store.
Safety: rebuildable devices and loose lithium-ion batteries require appropriate knowledge. Stop using damaged, leaking, swollen or unusually hot batteries and devices.