Vaping Slang Explained: Must-Know Terms for Enthusiasts

Basic Vaping Terminology

Before diving into slang, a solid grasp of basic vaping terms is crucial. These foundational concepts will make the slang more understandable.

Vape / Vaping

The word “vape” can be a noun or a verb. As a noun, it refers to the device used to vaporize e-liquids. As a verb, it describes the act of inhaling vapor from the device.

E-liquid / Juice

E-liquid, often called “juice,” is the fluid vaporized in a vape device. It typically contains nicotine, flavorings, propylene glycol (PG), and vegetable glycerin (VG).

Mods and Pods

“Mod” is short for modification, referring to advanced vape devices that offer customizable settings. “Pods” are compact, pre-filled or refillable cartridges used in pod systems, ideal for beginners due to their simplicity.

Common Vaping Slang Explained

Vaping slang is colorful and reflects the lifestyle and innovations within the community. Here are some key terms you’ll hear often.

Cloud Chaser

A cloud chaser is a vaper who aims to produce large, dense vapor clouds. They often use high-powered mods and e-liquids with a high VG content. It’s a popular style of vaping focused on visual impact.

Throat Hit

“Throat hit” describes the sensation felt at the back of the throat when inhaling vapor. Vapers often seek a strong throat hit to replicate the feeling of smoking traditional cigarettes. This can be adjusted by nicotine strength and PG/VG ratios.

Drip Tip

The drip tip is the mouthpiece of a vape device. It can be swapped out for customization or improved comfort. Many vapers prefer wide-bore drip tips to increase airflow and enhance cloud production.

Squonking

Squonking refers to a vaping method where e-liquid is fed directly from a squeezable bottle inside the mod to the atomizer. It combines the convenience of tanks with the flavor intensity of dripping. This term is popular among hobbyists who want a balance between performance and ease.

RDA (Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer)

An RDA is a type of atomizer where users manually drip e-liquid onto coils and wicks. It’s favored by advanced vapers who enjoy customizing their setups. The term “dripping” is often used interchangeably with RDA vaping.

Slang for Vaping Techniques and Styles

Vaping is not just about the device but also about the style and technique one employs. Here’s vocabulary related to how vapers use their gear.

Mouth-to-Lung (MTL)

Mouth-to-Lung vaping mimics the draw of a traditional cigarette by first drawing vapor into the mouth and then inhaling it into the lungs. It’s common among beginners and those transitioning from smoking. MTL devices typically have tighter airflow and higher nicotine levels.

Direct Lung (DL)

Direct Lung vaping involves inhaling vapor directly into the lungs in one continuous breath. It produces bigger clouds and a stronger throat hit. DL vaping usually requires devices with more airflow and lower nicotine concentrations.

Chain Vaping

Chain vaping means taking multiple puffs in quick succession without pausing. While it can increase satisfaction, it may also lead to coil overheating or “dry hits.” This slang is often used to describe heavy users.

Dry Hit

A dry hit happens when the coil doesn’t have enough e-liquid, resulting in a burnt taste. It’s unpleasant and can damage the coil. Vapers often warn beginners to avoid dry hits by properly priming coils and refilling tanks timely.

Community and Culture Slang

The vaping community has developed its own cultural lexicon that reflects its social nature and shared experiences.

Vape Fam

“Vape fam” is short for vape family and refers to the close-knit community of vapers who support each other. It’s often used in social media groups and forums. Being part of the vape fam means sharing tips, reviews, and encouragement.

Vape Trick

Vape tricks involve manipulating vapor to create shapes or effects like rings, jellyfish, or dragons. Enthusiasts share videos and tutorials online showcasing their skills. This slang emphasizes the artistic side of vaping.

Squonk

Besides describing the method, “squonk” is also a verb meaning to squeeze the bottle to feed e-liquid to the coil. You might hear someone say, “Just squonk it to keep it wet.” It’s a casual term within the squonking community.

Vape Hole

“Vape hole” is a humorous term for the mouth or lips, referring to where vapor enters the body. It’s often used jokingly among friends. For example, “Make sure your vape hole is lined up with the drip tip.”

Technical Slang and Device Parts

Understanding the components of vape devices and their related slang enhances technical knowledge.

Coil

The coil is the heating element inside the atomizer that vaporizes e-liquid. It’s made of wire wrapped around cotton or other wicking material. Terms like “coil gunk” refer to residue buildup that affects performance.

Ohms

Ohm is the unit of electrical resistance, crucial in vaping. Low-resistance coils (sub-ohm) produce more vapor and heat. Sub-ohm vaping has its own slang and requires knowledge of battery safety.

Wattage / Voltage

Wattage and voltage are settings that control the power output of a vape mod. Adjusting these settings changes vapor production and flavor. “Clouds at 100 watts” is a common phrase among high-power vapers.

Tank

The tank holds the e-liquid and houses the coil. Tanks vary in size and airflow design. Terms like “sub-ohm tank” indicate compatibility with sub-ohm coils for larger cloud production.

Squonk Bottle

The squonk bottle is a squeezable container inside squonk mods holding e-liquid. It allows for easy feeding of liquid to the coil without dripping manually. These bottles come in various sizes and materials.

Flavor and E-liquid Slang

Vaping is as much about flavor as it is about the device. The community has coined many terms to describe tastes and sensations.

Sweet Spot

The “sweet spot” refers to the ideal wattage or voltage setting for optimal flavor and vapor production. Finding it is a personal journey, as it varies by coil and e-liquid. Vapers often share their sweet spot settings for specific builds online.

Steeping

Steeping is the process of allowing e-liquid to rest so the flavors mature and blend. It’s similar to aging wine or tea. Some vapers swear by steeping to enhance complex flavor profiles.

PG/VG

PG (propylene glycol) and VG (vegetable glycerin) are base liquids in e-juice. PG provides throat hit and carries flavor well, while VG produces thicker vapor clouds. Slang like “high VG” signals e-liquids suited for cloud chasers.

Nic Salt

Nicotine salts, or “nic salts,” are a type of nicotine found in some e-liquids. They provide a smoother throat hit and faster nicotine delivery. This slang is popular among vapers seeking cigarette-like satisfaction.

Safety and Maintenance Slang

Proper care of your vape device is critical, and the community has slang related to maintenance and safety.

Priming

Priming a coil means saturating the wick with e-liquid before use to avoid dry hits. It’s a simple but essential step, especially with new coils. “Did you prime your coil?” is a common question among vapers.

Battery Wrap

The battery wrap is the protective plastic covering around vape batteries. Damage to the wrap can cause dangerous shorts. Vapers often recommend “re-wrapping” as part of safety maintenance.

Ohm’s Law

Ohm’s law is a fundamental principle relating voltage, current, and resistance. Advanced vapers use it to ensure safe builds and battery usage. Understanding this law prevents accidents and device malfunctions.

Practical Examples of Using Vaping Slang

To bring these terms to life, here are some practical examples of conversations and how slang is naturally used by enthusiasts.

Example 1: Choosing a Device

“I’m thinking of switching to a squonk mod because I love dripping but want the convenience of a tank. My friend told me to get a 0.3-ohm coil for better clouds and flavor.”

Example 2: Discussing Flavors

“This new strawberry custard juice is amazing after a week of steeping. The VG is high, so the clouds are dense, but I still get a nice throat hit thanks to the 50/50 PG/VG blend.”

Example 3: Troubleshooting

“I’m getting dry hits a lot lately. I think I forgot to prime my coil properly, or maybe it’s time to change the wick. Also, my battery wrap looks worn out, so I’ll re-wrap it to stay safe.”

Example 4: Social Vaping

“Join the vape fam meetup this weekend! We’ll be showing off some crazy vape tricks and cloud chasing competitions. Bring your best mod and let’s see who can blow the biggest rings.”

Why Knowing Vaping Slang Matters

Understanding vaping slang helps you integrate into the community smoothly. It allows you to make informed decisions about products and techniques. Plus, it adds an element of fun and connection when sharing experiences with fellow vapers.

Being fluent in vaping terminology also helps when reading product reviews, watching tutorials, or troubleshooting issues. It empowers you to ask the right questions and avoid common mistakes. In an industry that evolves rapidly, staying updated on slang keeps you ahead.

Whether you’re buying your first vape or upgrading to a custom build, the vocabulary you use can impact your journey. Embrace the language of vaping to enhance your enjoyment and mastery of this vibrant community.