What Does Vape Mean? Vaper, Vaping, and E-Cigarette Terminology
Users who are new to the world of e-cigarettes quickly come across many different English terms. Questions such as what does vape mean, who is a vaper, and what does vaping mean? frequently arise, especially when reading foreign product descriptions, forums, or e-cigarette reviews.
Knowing the meanings of these terms not only makes it easier to understand e-cigarette content, but also makes technical descriptions regarding devices, atomizers, coils, and usage styles much clearer.
In this guide, we explain the most essential terms you will encounter in the e-cigarette world, primarily vape, vaping, and vaper.
What Does Vape Mean?
Vape is one of the core terms associated with e-cigarette usage in English. In everyday language, the word “vape” can also refer directly to e-cigarette devices.
For instance, when you see the phrase “vape device” in an international product description, you can understand that it refers to an electronic cigarette device.
The word vape can also be used as a verb, referring to the act of inhaling the aerosol produced by an e-cigarette device.
What Does Vaping Mean?
Vaping is the English term used to describe the act of using an electronic cigarette or a similar vape device.
Although an exact direct translation is not widely used in Turkish, it is understood as e-cigarette use or vape use.
In international vaping content, you will frequently encounter expressions such as “vaping experience”, “vaping style”, or “vaping device”.
Who Is a Vaper?
Vaper is the English term used to denote a person who uses a vape or electronic cigarette.
For example, the phrase “MTL vaper” refers to an e-cigarette user who prefers mouth-to-lung style, while a “DL vaper” denotes a user who prefers open draw and direct-to-lung style.
What Does Vapor Mean?
Vapor is the English word for steam or mist. In the e-cigarette world, the term “vapor” is commonly used in casual speech to describe what the device produces.
However, what an e-cigarette creates is technically not just water vapor. Aerosol is created as a result of heating the ingredients within the e-liquid. Therefore, while called "vapor" in daily language, the term aerosol is technically more accurate.
Are Vape and Electronic Cigarette the Same Thing?
In everyday usage, yes. The word “vape” is widely used to define electronic cigarette devices.
However, vape is a broader umbrella term. It can be used in different contexts to refer to the device, the act of using it, or vape culture as a whole.
What Does Vape Device Mean?
Vape device means electronic cigarette hardware. Pod systems, mod devices, AIO systems, and similar e-cigarette products are classified as vape devices in international sources.
What Does Vape Kit Mean?
A vape kit refers to an e-cigarette starter or complete set where the essential operational parts of the device are provided together.
For example, depending on the model, a vape kit package may contain a mod, tank, pod cartridge, coil, USB cable, spare parts, and a user manual.
What Does Pod Mean?
Pod refers to the small e-liquid reservoir or cartridge system used in e-cigarette devices.
In some pods, the coil is integrated directly inside the cartridge. In other models, the pod cartridge and the coil can be replaced separately.
What Does Pod System Mean?
A pod system is an e-cigarette setup designed to be more compact compared to traditional large mod and atomizer combinations.
Pod systems typically feature small cartridges, built-in batteries, and simpler operation. That being said, advanced pod models with adjustable wattage and airflow controls are also available today.
What Does Mod Mean?
Mod refers to the body section of the e-cigarette that contains the battery and power management circuitry. Particularly in setups that use standalone atomizers, the main lower body is called the mod.
Mod devices may feature wattage, voltage, temperature control, or various other operating modes.
What Does Atomizer Mean?
An atomizer is the e-cigarette component that combines the e-liquid chamber, coil, air channels, and mouthpiece.
Various types of atomizers exist, such as tanks, RTAs, RDAs, or RDTAs.
What Does Coil Mean?
A coil is one of the core heating components of an e-cigarette. The cotton located inside or around the coil absorbs the e-liquid, and when the coil heats up, aerosol is produced.
Pre-built coils have a specific lifespan and need to be replaced when flavor performance drops or a burnt taste occurs.
What Does Ohm Mean?
Ohm (Ω) expresses the electrical resistance value of the coil.
Different resistance values such as 0.2Ω, 0.4Ω, 0.8Ω, or 1.2Ω can be found in e-cigarette coils. While resistance value alone does not dictate how a device is used, it has a major impact on wattage requirements and draw style.
What Does Watt Mean?
Watt (W) expresses the power output transferred from the e-cigarette device to the coil.
On adjustable devices, the wattage setting should be kept within the recommended operating range specified by the manufacturer for the installed coil.
What Does MTL Mean?
MTL (Mouth to Lung) is a usage style where aerosol is drawn into the mouth first and then inhaled into the lungs.
It mimics traditional cigarette drawing behavior. A tighter airflow draw and lower wattage usage are common in MTL devices.
What Does DL Mean?
DL (Direct Lung) refers to a usage style where aerosol is inhaled directly into the lungs.
DL systems typically utilize a more open airflow, lower resistance coils, and higher wattage outputs.
What Does RDL Mean?
RDL (Restricted Direct Lung) represents a restricted direct-to-lung draw positioned right between MTL and DL styles.
Many modern pod systems equipped with adjustable airflow can offer both MTL and RDL usage options.
What Does Sub-Ohm Mean?
Sub-ohm is the term used to describe coil systems that have a resistance value below 1.0Ω.
However, it should be remembered that today not all coil systems below 1Ω are used in the same manner. In modern pod systems, resistances like 0.6Ω or 0.8Ω can also be seen in MTL or RDL usage.
What Does E-Liquid / E-Juice Mean?
E-liquid or e-juice refers to the liquid formulation heated by the coil inside e-cigarette devices.
Generally, it can contain VG, PG, flavorings, and, depending on the product, nicotine.
What Do VG and PG Mean?
VG (Vegetable Glycerin) stands for vegetable glycerin, while PG (Propylene Glycol) stands for propylene glycol.
E-liquids can feature ratios such as 50VG/50PG or 70VG/30PG. These ratios affect liquid thickness and compatibility with different coil systems.
What Does Nic Salt / Salt E-Liquid Mean?
Nic Salt or nicotine salt refers to an e-liquid type formulated using a modified form of nicotine.
Salt e-liquids are usually associated with low-power pod systems. Liquid nicotine strength and device compatibility should be checked prior to use.
What Does Mesh Coil Mean?
Mesh coil is a coil design that uses a net or mesh-like wide heating element instead of traditional round wire.
The goal of the mesh structure is to provide a larger surface area in contact with the e-liquid and to ensure more even coil surface heating.
What Does Drip Tip Mean?
Drip tip is the term given to the mouthpiece section of an e-cigarette or atomizer.
Drip tip size and inner diameter can impact the draw style of the device. Narrower mouthpieces are common in MTL systems, whereas wider mouthpieces are found in DL systems.
What Does Airflow Mean?
Airflow refers to the air intake system of an electronic cigarette. Devices with adjustable airflow allow the user to modify the volume of incoming air.
When the air intake is closed down, the draw becomes tighter; when opened up, it becomes airier and smoother.
What Do Top Fill and Side Fill Mean?
Top Fill refers to a top-loading liquid refill mechanism, whereas Side Fill indicates refilling through the side of the cartridge or tank.
You will frequently encounter these two terms in pod and tank product specifications.
What Does Auto Draw Mean?
Auto Draw is a draw-activated firing mechanism that automatically activates the device upon inhalation without pressing a fire button.
It is a feature commonly utilized in pod systems.
What Does 510 Connection Mean?
A 510 connection is the standard threading connection used across most e-cigarette mods and atomizers.
Although a mod with a 510 connection may physically fit different atomizers, the coil resistance and power requirements of the atomizer must also be verified for device compatibility.
What Do RTA, RDA, and RDTA Mean?
RTA
Short for Rebuildable Tank Atomizer. It is a tank-based atomizer type where the user can build and wick their own coils.
RDA
Stands for Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer. It is a rebuildable atomizer type where liquid is dripped directly onto the coil and cotton instead of using a standard liquid tank.
RDTA
Short for Rebuildable Dripping Tank Atomizer, combining features of both RDAs and tank atomizers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vape Terminology
Does vape mean electronic cigarette?
In everyday usage, the word vape can be used to refer directly to an electronic cigarette device.
What does vaper mean?
It means a person who uses an electronic cigarette or vape device.
What does vaping mean?
It refers to the action of using an electronic cigarette or vape device.
Are vapor and vape the same thing?
No. While vape can refer to the device or the action, vapor is the English word for steam or mist.
Does a vape produce smoke?
E-cigarettes do not burn tobacco to produce traditional cigarette smoke. Aerosol is produced as a result of heating e-liquid.
General Overview of E-Cigarette Terminology
Most of the terms used in the e-cigarette world are derived from English. Expressions such as vape, vaping, vaper, pod, mod, coil, airflow, MTL, DL, RDL, mesh, RTA, and RDA are used very frequently in product descriptions and technical documentation.
Understanding these terms helps you evaluate product features more accurately, especially when choosing devices or consumables.
Click here to check out our e-cigarette models.
Information: Electronic cigarettes and related terminology may vary depending on product types and manufacturer terminology. Nicotine is an addictive substance.
