Our complete guide to vaping and vape terminology, everything you need to know about e-liquids, e-cigarettes and vaping from the experts at Riot

 A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

A |

All Day Vape

It does what it says on the tin - it’s what you vape all day long! The flavour you never get bored of and the nicotine strength that doesn’t overwhelm you. An all day vape is a flavour that you believe contains: 

• The perfect balance of flavour notes, from sweetness to sourness.
• It is smooth to inhale.
• It has a natural, refreshing aftertaste.
• It doesn’t overwhelm your senses.

All day vape is sometimes abbreviated as ADV, so if you see this on any vaping forums, you now know what on earth they are talking about!

It may require a bit of trial and error to find your all day vape, but don’t give up. Experiment with different flavours. Try menthol, sour, sweet, fruity, ice or even a combination. 

You could even try creating your own to find the perfect flavour. Check out Riot Flavours, our flavour concentrate range where you can mix and match flavours till your heart's content. 

We believe that there is an all day vape for everyone. 

Aroma

Aroma is the distinctive smell given off when vaping. The aroma could be described as sweet and somewhat pleasant as opposed to cigarettes, which will not only leave an odour in your house but on your clothes too. 

Amps

Value of base unit of electric current. The battery draw is measured in amps.

Airflow

Once you have upgraded your pod to a box mod, you will be able to feel the instant benefits of being able to tailor the airflow to your preference. You can do this by adjusting the twistable airflow collar to control the amount of fresh air you can draw in. 

The wider the airflow the more diluted the flavour is and bigger the cloud. The narrower the airflow the hotter and dense the cloud of vapour is off the coil. This is most suited for vapers looking for a “throat hit” to soothe smoking cravings.

Start on the narrower side and gradually increase the airflow until you are satisfied.

Atomiser

An atomiser is what heats the e-liquid in order to change its state to vapour. The atomiser describes what holds the coils and wicks.

B |

Bar

Bars are devices that contain e-liquid, small enough to comfortably fit in your pocket. Bars are pre-charged, pre-filled and cannot be refilled. In a nutshell, bars are disposable, one-use vaping devices ready to vape.

Battery 

Vaping devices use a variety of high power output batteries, some internal and others replaceable and rechargeable. Most common battery options on offer are 18650, 20700 and 21700. Batteries are classified in milliamp hours (mAh), generally speaking the higher the battery model number (e.g. 18650) the higher the mAh.

Within all vaping devices is a battery. The majority of devices have a replaceable 18650 battery used to power them. Alternatively, some are pre-charged and some are rechargeable. 

Bottles

Bottles are where the e-liquid is stored. Bottles come premixed (like our Hybrid S:ALT range) or with room left for you to add your own nicotine shot (shake and vape). See our shortfill range. Due to TPD regulations, bottles are required to be child resistant, with locks on the lids and relevant health warnings.

Base

Base is the foundation ingredient of any e-liquid, generally forming a mixed ratio of PG and VG. The base is mixed before any flavour or nicotine is added. Generally, vapers desiring a stronger throat hit will add more PG than VG and vapers desiring more cloud production would add more VG.

PG/VG Ratio	Throat Hit	Cloud Production
More PG than VG	Strong	Low
Equal VG/PG	Medium	Medium
More VG than PG	Low	High

Box Mods 

A vaping device that looks like a box! It consists of just a battery, box and a button. Box Mods are used to heat e-liquid to change its state from liquid to vapour. Tanks attach to them to complete the device.

Burnt Coil

A coil burns when it has insufficient amounts of e-liquid. When a coil is dry or has little e-liquid, it causes unpleasant dry hits. 

Check out our guide for preparing your coil so you can avoid it burning. 

C |

Coil

The coil is a vital component for your vaping devices. It is a metal, spiral-shaped wire that wraps around the wicking material. Its core function is to heat up the e-liquid within the vaping device and change its state to vapour.

See our guide on how to prepare a coil that lasts long 

Cloud Chasers

Cloud chaser is a term used to describe people who prefer flavour over throat hit, or prefer the aesthetic of the cloud. 

Cotton 

Cotton goes with coil to absorb the liquid 

Cigalike

Disposable device the shape of a device. Most commonly found in the earlier forms of vaping devices. 

CBD (Cannabidiol)

CBD or Cannabidiol is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD does not contain any THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. 

CBD can be consumed by drops on the tongue or within the e-liquid mix in a range of different strengths from 250mg to 1500mg.

CBD is known to relieve pain, reduce depression and anxiety, alleviate cancer-related symptoms, reduce acne and other health benefits. There are also a number of known side-effects such as diarrhea, fatigue and changes to appetite and weight so console your doctor before you add CBD to your e-liquid.

Closed Pod System

Pre-filled pod/tank that is one use.

Continual Amperage

The continuous power that is delivered from the battery when the fire button is held for more than 10 seconds. A value given to a battery with a fixed power output. If this output draw is overloaded it will make the battery unstable. This concerns DIY vapers who make their own coils and use unregulated mods and devices.

D |

Disposable

A one-use, small device built ready to vape with pre-filled hybrid salt nicotine. Disposable devices are non-rechargeable, pre-charged and contain approximately 550 puffs. 

Drip Tip

The drip tip is the mouthpiece of a tank. They come in multiple sizes, most commonly, 510 and 810. 

DIY Vaping

As I’m sure you already know, DIY stands for do it yourself! Within the vaping community, it is far from rare for vapers to make their own e-liquid. In fact, Riot Squad have their own Flavour Concentrate range where you can get creative and fully customise flavours to your taste!

Direct-To-Lung (DTL)

Unlike mouth to lung, direct to lung is the action of inhaling the vapour as they are breathing. Sub Ohm devices are most commonly used for DTL. See definition for Mouth-to-Lung (MTL)

Dry Hit

Dry hits is where the coil is burning the cotton as opposed to vapourising the liquid.

Here is a link to our guide to preparing your coil so you can avoid dry hits and make your device last longer.

Dripper Tank

Dripper Tanks are tanks that are open so you can drip liquid directly onto the coil and cotton. Dripper tanks have limited juice well therefore need topping up frequently. They also often leak due to their open features. 

E |

E-Liquid

E-liquid is the substance inserted into vaping devices. It comes in different flavours and nicotine strengths. E-liquid is heated by a device in order to change its state to vapour. The main ingredients in e-liquid are PG, VG, food grade flavouring and optionally nicotine. 

E-Cigarette

E-cigarette is short for an electronic cigarette. It is a device that simulates the act of smoking a cigarette. E-cigarettes are able to create a similar sensation by creating vapour for users to inhale. 

E-Cigarettes are endorsed by a number of health governing bodies for their effectiveness at helping people quit smoking whilst dramatically reducing harm in the process.

In recent news, NHS are also trialing handing out e-cigarettes to help people quit smoking after reviews were published by Public Health England and Cochrane England indicated that e-cigarettes are around 95% less harmful as tobacco. 

F |

Flavour Concentrate 

Flavour Concentrates contain the best food grade flavourings mixed with PG to allow for the advancement of flavour in your favourite dishes, drinks or e-liquids.  

Flavour concentrates allow DIY vape enthusiasts to mix and match their favourite flavours and create a bespoke flavour of their own.

See our flavour concentrate range and craft the perfect flavour!

Flavour Chaser

Flavour chasers are people who vape and constantly hunt for the biggest and best flavour from their vape juice. The part of their vaping experience that matters the most is clean, crisp taste from their juice of choice.

Fire 

The action of sending power to the coil in order to heat it. This process can be through the use of a button or buttonless mouth to lung devices. Also known as ‘firing’. Fire refers to pressing a button or inhaling a vape device. The coil inside then heats the e-liquid to produce vapour. 

Freebase Nicotine 

Freebase nicotine is the purest form of nicotine and is the most commonly used form of nicotine in e-liquids. Freebase nicotine increases the harshness of a throat hit when used in e-liquids. Freebase nicotine is most commonly found in 50ml shortfills in 3mg and 6mg due to TPD regulations. Products that have a high concentration of freebase nicotine tend to be used by vapers who enjoy vaping rather than looking to quit smoking.

G |

Gauge (Wire) 

Thickness of wire used in coils, generally used in DIY Vaping. Gauge is measured with a numerical value with lower numbers being thicker wire. Different thicknesses offer less/more resistance measured in Ohm(s). Example: 26 gauge wire.

H |

Hybrid Nicotine

When Riot Squad set out to launch our nic salts into the market, we wanted to create a nicotine salt that was more effective for smoking cessation whilst still maintaining the premium flavours that we are known for.

Our Riot S:ALT Hybrid Nicotine range brings together the best of both worlds by combining Nicotine Salt and Freebase Nicotine. Nicotine Salt provides a higher nicotine uptake in the body to stamp out the craving faster paired with freebase nicotine, which provides a throat hit synonymous with the throat hit of a cigarette proving to be the closest alternative to a cigarette. 

Heat Not Burn

Typically associated with tobacco products. The process of heating a solid material pre-flash point to release the vapour within. This is deemed less harmful than burning. 

Harm Reduction 

Tobacco harm reduction is a policy or strategy for tobacco users who cannot or will not stop, explicitly including the continued use of tobacco or nicotine. It is designed to reduce the health effects of tobacco use by simply using less tobacco!

A study by Public Health England found that vaping is 95% less harmful for you than smoking. Vaping can be used as a successful alternative to traditional Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).

I |

Inhale

Inhale is the action of breathing in the vapour. 

There are two methods of inhaling vapour: Direct-to-Lung (DTL) and Mouth-to-Lung (MTL).

Inhaling vapour is recognised by Public Health England (PHE) to be approximately 95% less harmful than tobacco after research was led by University of Oxford and University of East Anglia to conclude such findings.

J |

Juice

A term commonly used to describe e-liquid. Other terms include vape juice and vape liquid. 

Joules

Joule heating is the physical effect by which the pass of current through an electrical conductor produces thermal energy.

K |

Koolada

A cooling agent present in most menthol e-liquid. Using marginal measures of koolada is also known for being a good carrier or enhancer of flavour.

L |

Lung Hit

The sensation a vaper experiences when the vapour inhales in one breath. This is most desired by those who are after bigger hits and bigger clouds. The downside is you risk burning cotton and experiencing harsh hits. 

Low Resistance

A low resistance measurement is typically a measurement below 1.000 ohm. Also known as Subohm.

Low Nicotine

Often used to describe an e-liquid that has low nicotine, most commonly used to refer to a shortfill with 6mg or less.

Long Fill

A bottle filled with flavour concentrate, usually between 10-20% total volume, PG and VG would be added to the bottle at users' optimal preference to 100% total volume.

M |

Mod

Term used to define a device containing a replaceable or sealed battery to power a variety of tanks and pod systems. Most ‘mod’ devices use chip sets to regulate battery output as a safety feature. These are recognised as regulated mods, although unregulated mods are also quite popular.

Mixing

Term given for the mixing of solutions and flavours, also known as ‘DIY Vaping'.

To get started mixing your own flavours, you might find it useful to use our DIY E-Liquid Mixing Calculator.

Mouth-To-Lung (MTL)

Most often referred to the use of pod and disposable devices and systems. MTL is the action required to inhale the vapour, similar to the draw of a cigarette and is most often the first suggestion to smokers looking to quit for its similarities.

Mesh Coil

Unlike a conventional coil that forms a cylindrical spring shape, the power is passed through a mesh-like material to produce heat. The mesh is usually a cylindrical shape, however some manufacturers offer a plate-like option.

Max VG

Term given to an e-liquid with a high/full ratio of vegetable glycerin. Suitable for large or dripper tanks. VG is a thicker liquid, so the absorption rate is slower, therefore Max VG generally use a sub-ohm coil and a high wattage device.

Mech Mod

A ‘mechanical’ or ‘mech’ mod is a device used to power the coil. Unlike regulated mods, mech mods tend to have very little safety features, instead opting for a passthrough type solution that consists of a battery and button. It is advised that users with none to little knowledge of the dangers when using such a device should not use them.

N |

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

Term used to describe a method of nicotine delivery that replaces the use of cigarettes. There are many forms comprising of patches, gum, tablets. PHE recognises vaping as the most effective method of NRP.

NIHP

National Institute for Health Protection has recently succeeded Public Health England. NIHP is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) aimed at monitoring and controlling infectious diseases and responding to health protection incidents.

Neotame

A synthetic sweetener, similar to aspartame. There are multiple health risks associated with the use of neotame in vape.

Nic Shot/Nicotine

A ‘nic shot’ is a small bottle of nicotine mixed with VG and PG, usually between 18-20mg strength, that can be added to a nicotine free shortfill to make it 3mg strength.

O |

Ohm

Measurement of resistance in coil wire. Subohm refers to a coil that is below a rating of 1.0ohm

O Ring

An O Ring can either describe the small cylindrical tube of rubber to stop two materials from sticking whilst maintaining a water tight seal or the vape trick that consists of the user blowing 'O' shaped vapour clouds from their mouth.

P |

Propylene Glycol (PG)

Propylene Glycol (PG) is a viscous, colourless liquid. It's more or less odourless but has a slightly sweet flavour. PG is able to dissolve certain substances very well and can retain moisture very well, making it great as an additive to certain products.

Pod

Pod systems are a compact vaping device. The majority of pod systems provide a lower wattage output, with a higher nicotine strength. It is perfect for those who are starting their vaping journey.

Public Health England

A government body that aims to improve health and wellbeing across the UK, as well as reduce health inequalities.

Pod Mod

Pod mods are vaping devices that are largely not mod-able and generally take a single pod of pre-filled liquid which is disposable or more recently disposable and refillable pods taking salt based nicotine e-liquids.

Popcorn Lung

"Popcorn lung" is the nickname for bronchiolitis obliterans. It is a condition that damages lungs' smallest airways and causes a cough and shortness of breath.

It is sometimes caused by breathing in a chemical used to flavour microwave popcorn called diacetyl. According to Cancer Research UK, popcorn lung is very rare, however, it is still something many vapers worry about.

You can rest assured that none of our Riot E-Liquid products contain diacetyl in any amounts.

Puffs

Each exhale in an e-cig/e-liquid is known as a puff. 

Q |

Quit

To quit is defined as to stop, cease or discontinue an action or behaviour. Quitting smoking is notoriously not the easiest task, but at Riot E-Liquid, we believe everyone can quit.

A common method of quitting is Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). Vaping is recognised by Public Health England (PHE) as the most effective NRT method.

R |

Ratio

The vaping ratio refers to the amount of PG versus VG used in e-liquids. Different ratios are used for achieve different sensations from the vape. For example, vapers desiring a stronger throat hit will add more PG than VG and vapers desiring more cloud production would add more VG.

PG/VG Ratio	Throat Hit	Cloud Production
More PG than VG	Strong	Low
Equal VG/PG	Medium	Medium
More VG than PG	Low	High

Refill

Bar using disposable devices, you will need to refill at some point. To refill, simple squeeze your mixed e-liquid into the tank. It is important you don't run out of e-liquid as the coil will burn. This will not only cause unpleasant dry hits, but will reduce the lifespan of your coil. 

See our guide on how to prepare your coil to last longer. 

S |

Smoking Alternative

A smoking alternative is any tobacco product that's objective is to reduce harm or the risk of any tobacco related disease/illness. Vaping is an excellent alternative to smoking as it enables smokers/ex-smokers to simulate the sensation with vapour.

Smoking Sensation

Smoking sensation describes the experience a smoker/ex-smoker is able to simulate whilst vaping. In order to simulate a smoking sensation, smokers/ex-smokers can use Mouth-to-Lung devices with our Riot S:ALT flavours. 

Shortfill

Shortfills are large bottles of e-liquid which contain no nicotine. They are usually found as 50ml of e-liquid contained in a 60ml bottle, hence the name shortfill. A 10ml gap is left at the top of the bottle to give enough space to add an unflavoured 18mg nicotine shot.

Steep

Steeping is the process where flavours in your e-liquid settle enhance and strengthen. Usually, this means leaving the vape juice to rest for a period of time.

It is recommended that flavours steep for at least two-weeks, but some vapers prefer to steep flavours for months before vaping them.

Squonk Mod

Squonk mods are bottom-feeding and carry e-liquid supply inside the mod allowing direct feed of e-liquid to the atomiser. The box mod has a small opening called a squonk hole that is squeezed to deliver a small amount of e-liquid to the atomiser and saturate the wick.

Sub-Ohm

Sub-ohm refers to the resistance of the coil being below 1 ohm. Sometimes we will call sub-ohm vaping direct-to-lung. Sub-ohm devices are designed to produce large clouds of vapour. The wattage setting required for sub-ohm coils vary greatly. Depending on the coil and resistance, they can work from 30-120W+. We would say the average coil would require 40-70W. 

Sweetener

A substance used to sweeten food or drink, an alternative to sugar. In e-liquids, sucralose is most commonly used. However, you will find other alternatives used such as stevia, neotame, xylitol and ace k. Sweeteners are commonly 10-100 times stronger than sugar.

T |

Throat Hit

The sensation a vaper experiences when the vapour hits the back of their throat. This is most desired by smokers/ex-smokers trying to quit as it simulates a cigarette best.

Triggers

Triggers are things that make a smoker/ex-smoker crave a cigarette. Triggers generally fall into four categories: 

1. Emotional
2. Pattern
3. Social
4. Withdrawal

Emotional triggers are when a change in emotions causes you to crave a cigarette. E.g. feeling bored, lonely or stressed. 

Pattern triggers are habitual causes, e.g. driving, finishing a meal, drinking coffee, etc.

Social triggers are caused events. E.g. going to a party, concert, seeing someone smoke, etc. 

Withdrawal triggers are caused by cravings when smelling a cigarette, handling cigarettes, needing to do something with your hands or mouth, etc. 

TPD

The Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) sets out the rules for the sale and manufacture of e-cigarettes and e-liquids in the EU. It came into effect in May 2016. Any product must be fully compliant with TPD regulations before it is placed on the EU market.

Tank

The vape tank is the part of your device that holds the e-liquid and creates the vapour production.

Tube Mods

Tube mods are a step-up in terms of power and cloud output from smaller, slimmer e-cigarettes and vape pens. Tube mods have greater battery capacity as well as voltage output and can match more advanced box mods in terms of customisation. Tube mods also pair with larger e-juice tanks thanks to their wide builds.

Tricks

When vaping there are numerous tricks you can do when exhaling the smoke. For example O’s. Tricks are more commonly desired by lifestyle vapours. In order to do tricks, vapers need to create bigger clouds. To achieve this, they will be best off using a box mod, increasing the airflow and vaping a higher amount of VG.

U |

Unregulated (Mod Device)

The regulation of a mod device refers to the present flow from the battery to the coil in a vaporiser. 

Typically, experienced vapers are better suited for unregulated mods as they can be dangerous if the user doesn’t know how to use them. The unregulated mod requires the user to press the button for every puff rather than pressing the button one time to fire up the device.

Clicking the button completes the circuit and heats the coil to create the vapour, but pressing the button for a long time can cause the battery to overheat or create a shortage in the atomiser.

V |

Vapouround

Vapouround is a trade magazine that promotes vape news and e-cigarette reviews.

Vegetable Glycerine (VG)

Vegetable Glycerine (VG) is a liquid that creates big vape clouds when vaping. Because the liquid has a thick consistency it can build up in your atomiser if you have a smaller vaporiser, as it struggles to absorb the VG liquid. Users can have allergies to propylene glycol (PG) and are recommended to use the maximum VG mix.

Vaper’s Tongue

This term means that a user loses the ability to taste the vape juice, and most vapers will experience this from time to time. It is usually temporary and tends to only last a couple of days. There are ways you can help speed up the process so your taste buds return.

Vape Band

Vape bands are a stretchy silicone ring that goes over your vape to protect your glass tank. Although they tend to be used for protection, they can also be seen as a fashion accessory.

W |

Wattage (Watts)

The wattage is the measurement of the amount of power an e-cigarette uses. Using higher wattage will burn out your coil quicker and shorten the battery life.

Wick

A wick is material that you put through the coil and is used to absorb the e-liquid. It is typically made out of cotton. Its purpose is to stop the vape liquid from burning on the coil and enhance the flavour experience of the vape. 

Wrap

The wrap of a vape is the loop of wire within the coil. With a larger number of wraps it creates more vapour as the surface area to vaporise the liquid is bigger.

Y |

Youth

Vape products are restricted to 18-21+ as they contain nicotine which is highly addictive and can harm the development of adolescent brain. Vape companies have a corporate and social responsibility to not target youths when advertising. However, there are some currently non-UK vape brands marketing to youths on TikTok. Riot actively discourages non-smokers and youths from vaping and targets those trying to quit smoking. 

Z |

Zero Nicotine

Vapes with 0 mg of nicotine are non-addictive as they do not contain nicotine. These are for vapers trying to quit nicotine or those that enjoy vaping without nicotine.