Vaping Slang

Vaping Slang Decoded: 21 Must-Know Vaping Terms from MTL to RDA (Newbie’s Best Guide!)

  • Jul, 23, 2025
  • 19 views
  • 5 minutes Read

🔥 Introduction: Welcome to the Vaper’s Dictionary!

 

Stepping into the world of vaping can feel like learning a new language. Between coil types, nicotine forms, and inhaling techniques, the terminology can be overwhelming. But don’t worry—this ultimate vaping slang guide will decode all the essential terms, helping you go from confused beginner to confident vaper in no time!

 

Whether you’re looking for smoother nicotine delivery, bigger clouds, or the best flavor experience, understanding these vaping slang terms is key. Let’s break them down in a fun, easy-to-digest way!

Vaping Slang

 

📌 Vaping Slang Section 1: Vaping Styles & Techniques – Which One Suits You?

 

1. MTL (Mouth To Lung) – The Classic Cigarette Feel

 

Who it’s for: Beginners, ex-smokers, stealth vapers

How it works:

  • Draw vapor into your mouth first (like sipping a straw)

  • Then inhale into your lungs (similar to smoking a cigarette)
    Best devices:

  • Pod systems (e.g., JUUL, Vaporesso XROS)

  • Tight-draw starter kits (e.g., Innokin Endura T18)
    Why choose MTL?
    ✔ More discreet (less vapor)
    ✔ Stronger throat hit (good for ex-smokers)
    ✔ Uses less e-liquid

 

2. DL (Direct Lung) – The Cloud Chaser’s Choice

 

Who it’s for: Experienced vapers, cloud enthusiasts
How it works:

  • Inhale vapor straight into your lungs (like taking a deep breath)

  • Requires low-resistance (sub-ohm) coils and high-VG e-liquid
    Best devices:

  • Sub-ohm tanks (e.g., Freemax Mesh Pro)

  • High-wattage box mods (e.g., Vaporesso Gen 200)
    Why choose DL?
    ✔ Massive vapor production
    ✔ Smoother, airier inhale
    ✔ Better for flavor chasing

 

3. RDL (Restricted Direct Lung) – The Best of Both Worlds

 

Who it’s for: Vapers who want flavor AND decent clouds
How it works:

  • A middle ground between MTL and DL

  • Slightly restricted airflow for a balanced experience
    Best devices:

  • Single-coil RTAs (e.g., Wotofo Serpent Elevate)

  • Tighter sub-ohm tanks (e.g., Uwell Crown 5 with airflow half-closed)

 

📌 Vaping Slang Section 2: Device & Coil Lingo – What’s the Difference?

 

1. RDA (Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer) – For Flavor Purists

 

How it works:

  • No tank—you manually drip e-liquid onto the coil

  • Requires frequent re-dripping (hence the name)
    Pros:
    ✔ Unmatched flavor (short distance from coil to mouth)
    ✔ Customizable builds (you pick the wire, wick, and resistance)
    Cons:
    ❌ Not portable (leaks if tipped over)
    ❌ High maintenance (must drip every few puffs)
    Best for:

  • At-home vaping

  • Flavor testers & hobbyists

2. RTA (Rebuildable Tank Atomizer) – Convenience Meets Customization

 

How it works:

  • Like an RDA but with a tank section for e-liquid storage

  • Uses cotton wicks to draw juice to the coil
    Pros:
    ✔ Better for on-the-go vaping (no dripping needed)
    ✔ Still customizable (build your own coils)
    Cons:
    ❌ Wicking can be tricky (too little = dry hits, too much = leaks)
    Best for:

  • Intermediate vapers who want rebuildables without constant dripping

3. Sub-Ohm Vaping slang (Coils Below 1.0Ω) – Power & Clouds

 

What it means:

  • Using low-resistance coils (e.g., 0.2Ω, 0.4Ω)

  • Requires high-wattage mods (usually 40W+)
    Why sub-ohm?
    ✔ Bigger vapor production
    ✔ Warmer, denser hits
    ✔ More intense flavor (especially with mesh coils)
    Safety tips:
    ⚠️ Use high-VG e-liquid (70% VG or higher)
    ⚠️ Check battery safety (sub-ohm drains batteries faster)

Vaping Slang

📌 Vaping Slang Section 3: E-Liquid & Nicotine Terms – What’s in Your Juice?

 

1. Freebase Nicotine – The Traditional Choice

 

  • What Vaping Slang is: Pure nicotine (no additives)

  • Throat hit: Stronger at higher strengths (e.g., 12mg+)

  • Best for: MTL vapers who want a cigarette-like feel

 

2. Nicotine Salts (Nic Salts) – Smoother & Faster-Acting

 

  • What it is: Nicotine blended with benzoic acid for smoother hits

  • Throat hit: Much milder (even at 50mg!)

  • Best for: Pod systems & high-nicotine vapers

 

3. PG/VG Ratio – Finding Your Perfect Blend

 

PG (Propylene Glycol) VG (Vegetable Glycerin)
✔ Carries flavor better ✔ Produces thicker clouds
✔ Thinner liquid (better for small coils) ✔ Smoother inhale
✔ Stronger throat hit ✔ Thicker liquid (needs larger wicking)
Best for: MTL (50/50 or 60/40 PG/VG) Best for: DL (70/30 or 80/20 VG/PG)

Vaping Slang

📌 Vaping Slang Section 4: Advanced Vaping Slang – Talk Like a Pro

 

1. “Cloud Chasing” – The Art of Massive Vapor

 

  • Competitions where vapers blow the biggest clouds

  • Requires high-power mods, max-VG juice, and specialized RDAs

 

2. “Dry Hit” – Every Vaper’s Worst Nightmare

 

  • When your coil burns because there’s no e-liquid left

  • Tastes like Satan’s burnt toast 🔥

 

3. “Steeping” – Letting E-Liquid Age for Better Flavor

 

  • Some juices taste better after sitting for 1-2 weeks

  • How to steep:

    • Store in a dark place

    • Shake occasionally

    • Open the cap to let it “breathe”

 

🎯 Final Thoughts Vaping Slang: Master the Lingo, Vape Like a Pro

 

Now that you’ve unlocked this vape terms dictionary, you’re ready to navigate the vaping world like a seasoned pro. Whether you’re into MTL for a cig-like feelDL for cloud production, or rebuildables for customization, knowing these terms will enhance your experience.

 

Got a favorite vaping term we missed? Drop it in the comments below! 🚀

 

Want more guides? Check out:

 

 

Happy vaping! 💨