Vape Glossary: 25 Vaping Terms Every Beginner Should Know

If you’re new to vaping, the jargon can feel like a language of its own.

Whether you’re browsing for your first vape kit, exploring e-liquids, or trying to understand the difference between a coil and a pod, it helps to know what everything actually means.

We’ve put together a handy beginner’s glossary of 25 common vaping terms — written in plain English — to help you get to grips with the basics. Bookmark this guide and refer back whenever you need a quick vape vocabulary refresher.

1. E-Liquid / Vape Juice

The liquid used in vapes to produce vapour. Comes in different flavours, nicotine strengths, and blends.

2. Nicotine Salts (Nic Salts)

A smoother type of nicotine used in most modern pod systems. Perfect for beginners switching from smoking. Found in many of our 10ml bottles like Lost 10.

3. Bar Salts

Disposable-style e-liquid designed for refillable devices. Strong flavour, smooth nicotine, available in bottles. Great for those who used to vape disposables.

4. VG (Vegetable Glycerin)

One of the main ingredients in e-liquid. Thicker than PG and produces more vapour.

5. PG (Propylene Glycol)

Another core ingredient. Thinner than VG, carries flavour better and gives more throat hit.

6. 50/50

A balanced e-liquid ratio of VG and PG. Ideal for most pod systems and starter kits.

7. MTL (Mouth-to-Lung)

A vaping style similar to smoking a cigarette — inhale into your mouth, then lungs. Most beginner pod systems like the HULA 7000 are designed for MTL.

8. DTL (Direct-to-Lung)

A vaping style more like breathing in through a straw. Produces bigger clouds and used with sub-ohm kits.

9. Sub-Ohm Vaping

Using coils below 1.0 ohm resistance, usually for DTL vaping. Creates more vapour but requires more power.

10. Ohms

A measurement of coil resistance. Lower ohms = more power and vapour; higher ohms = smoother, cooler vape.

11. Pod Kit / Pod System

A compact vape device using removable pods instead of tanks. Great for beginners and ex-smokers. See starter kits.

12. Pod

A small cartridge that holds your e-liquid. Can be refillable or pre-filled. Used with pod kits.

13. Pre-Filled Pod

A pod that comes ready with e-liquid already inside. Just insert and vape.

14. Coil

The heating element inside your vape that turns e-liquid into vapour. Needs replacing every 1–2 weeks.

15. Wick

The cotton inside the coil that soaks up e-liquid. If it dries out, you’ll get a burnt taste.

16. Burnt Hit

A nasty burnt flavour caused by dry wicks or an old coil. Fix by replacing your coil or pod.

17. Priming

The process of letting e-liquid soak into the coil before vaping to avoid a burnt hit.

18. Drip Tip / Mouthpiece

The part you inhale through. Often detachable and can vary in size or shape.

19. Draw-Activated

A device that fires when you inhale (no button needed). Most pod kits are draw-activated for ease of use.

20. Refillable Pod

A pod you fill with your own e-liquid, usually through a small rubber plug or side port.

21. Airflow

The amount of air that flows through the device. Adjustable airflow lets you control how tight or loose the inhale feels.

22. Throat Hit

The feeling at the back of your throat when inhaling. Stronger with higher nicotine or PG levels.

23. Cloud Chasing

A vaping style focused on producing large clouds, typically using sub-ohm DTL setups.

24. Vaper’s Tongue

When your tastebuds become numb to a flavour after prolonged use. Switch flavours or stay hydrated to fix it.

25. Disposable Vape

A single-use vape device, now restricted under UK law. Former users are switching to refillables and bar salts.

Starting your vaping journey can feel overwhelming — but once you know the lingo, everything clicks into place. Whether you're choosing a pod kit, exploring nic salts, or upgrading your coils, this glossary gives you the confidence to make smarter choices.

Still unsure? Head over to our full range of vape kits, nic salts, and pre-filled pods — or drop us a message for tailored advice. We’re here to help.