E-Cigarette Terminology

Many people are still new to electronic cigarettes and surely have a difficult time navigating through all the technical jargon. For instance, knowing the difference between a cartomizer and an atomizer isn't easy, let alone figuring out what VG and PG mean, when referring to eLiquids. To clear up any confusion and provide the insight to help convert traditional smokers to e-cig users, we've provided this handy list of all the key terms and phrases used in the e-cigarette world.

All Day Vape

The e-liquid you most rely on or favor. That eliquid you constantly vape because it never gets old.






The small covering within an atomizer, used to absorb the eLiquid and drive it towards the heating element.


A plastic tube that is filled with an absorbanant material to hold the eLiquid needed for vaping. Shop our selection of E-Cig Cartridges.


A battery charger, allowing users to recharge their e-cig battery upon depletion. Shop our selection of e-cigarette battery chargers.


Cut-Off or stopping point. Automatic shutdown is a feature which happens if you take to long a draw from an ecigarette. This shutdown feature generally happens after a 5-10 second draw. This feature aids in preventing the atomizer/cartomizer from overheating. Following a cut-off, some e-cigarettes will flash the LED indicating a cut-off is in effect from a long draw from the user.

Drip Tip

An accessory typically used with an atomizer or cartomizer, which has a larger opening than normal equipment and allows users to drip eLiquid directly onto the atomizer and avoid using disposable cartridges and cartomizers. Shop our selection of Drip Tips.


This is the liquid that is vaporized when using an electronic cigarette. It typically contains a combination of nicotine, propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycol, often along with other flavorings. Also referred to as E-Juice, Juice, Smoke Juice or simply Liquid. Shop our selection of various types of eLiquid.

eGo Style



This refers to what happens when too much liquid is applied to an atomizer. Flooding causes less vapor production, due to the lack of available air, which is required to produce vapor.


Abbreviation for Light Emitting Diode, which provides the light at the end of E-Cigs and gives users the look and feel of a real cigarette hit.




This term refers to the actual E-Cigarette, or the personal vaporizer. They serve as an alternative to a traditional cigarette-sized E-Cig and there are numerous shape variations for convenience. Shop our selection of MODS & PVs.

PG (Propylene Glycol)

Propylene Glycol is used as a base carrier for the nicotine flavoring. Some people have reported having an allergic reaction to PG.



Starter Kit

A bundle of the essentials needed to start smoking reusable Electronic Cigarettes. Our starter kits vary per need, but typically include all the parts and accessories needed to begin vaping effectively. Shop our selection of E-Cig Starter Kits.

Thread Adapters

These E-Cig accessories allow users to use an atomizer or cartomizer with a battery of a different model. Shop our selection of Thread Adapters.


Since E-Cigs produce vapor, this is how users refer to the action of ‘smoking' an Electronic Cigarette.



Variable Wattage (VW)


Vent Holes



A thin string inside many styles of atomizers, that allows delivery of eLiquids to the heating element. Shop our selection of Wick & Wire.

Analog or Analogue

Common term for a traditional cigarette in the E-Cig industry.

Atomizer (Atty)

A key element of an E-Cigarette, which heats the eLiquid to the point of vaporization. Shop our selection of E-Cig Atomizers.


The part of the E-Cig that provides power to the heating element, enabling the heating element to heat the eLiquid and produce vapor. Shop our selection of E-Cig Batteries.


Cartomizers are disposable cartridges with atomizers built directly into the unit. The efficiency allows for a brand new atomizer in each cartomizer and gives users maximum vapor production. Shop our selection of Cartomizers & Tanks.


This is the heating element in an e-cig atomizer, which heats the liquid and produces vapor. These should be replaced every few weeks for regular users. Shop our selection of Replacement Coils/Heads.


(Clearo) A clearomizer is the transparent version of a cartomizer. Designed to allow users to see how much eliquid they have left. Many have ml graduations for the capacity of e-liquid left. Made of very easily breakable plastic in order to remain transparent. A wick or wicks are generally used for the juice delivery to the coil. There are top coil and bottom coil configurations. Many versions are constantly evolving in order to improve the performance the user desires. Shop our selection of Clearomizers.



Drip Well



Common abbreviation for Electronic Cigarette.

Electronic Cigarette

Often referred to as an E-Cigarette or E-Cig, this is the common term for a device that heats up an eLiquid solution of nicotine, propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycol, turning the liquid into vapor.


Another term for the coil in an E-Cig atomizer, which heats the liquid and produces vapor. These should be replaced every few weeks for regular users. Shop our selection of Replacement Coils/Heads.

Low Resistance (LR)

An atomizer with a lower Ohm rating than normal. This benefit of LR is that it allows the unit's heating element to get hotter faster and produce vapor more quickly. Shop our selection of Low Resistance Atomizers.


Milligrams (mg) The amount or level of nicotine found in e-liquid. Typical levels are 0mg, 6mg or 0.6%, 12mg or 1.2%, 18mg or 1.8%, and 24mg or 2.4%.


A measure of electrical resistance. In E-Cigs, lower Ohms indicate lower resistance and in turn, faster heating.

Passthrough (Passthru)

A passthrough can be either a device itself or part of an electronic cigarette or mod. It is the device itself, you can connect your atty or carto to it and then plug it into the USB port of a computer or USB wall adapter. It receives power through either. Passthrough is built into many electronic cigarettes and mods allowing you to use them while they are charging.


Refers to any device that produces vapor for direct inhalation, at the push of a button. Shop our selection of MODS & PVs.




A type of cartomizer that is clear and shows the amount eLiquid left in the cartridge and typically hold more liquid than an average cartomizer. Shop our selection of Cartomizers & Tanks.

Throat Hit (TH)

The sensation users get when vaporizing eLiquids containing nicotine. There is no throat hit if there is zero nicotine in the liquid being used.

Variable Voltage (VV)


VG (Vegetable Glycerin)

Commonly referred to as VG, this E-Cig ingredient is a compound that comes from vegetable oil, in particular palm or coconut. It has powerful humectant properties, meaning it is able to retain moisture. VG is clear, colorless and very sweet. VG is used in eLiquids to amplify vapor production and as a sweetener. Because some people have light to severe reactions to PG (propylene glycol) they may require eLiquids that are higher in VG content.


The key tool needed when looking to build your own coil, which allows advanced E-Cigarette users to make their own E-Cig atomizer. Shop our selection of Wick & Wire.