Electronic cigarettes are identified through a variety of naming conventions, encompassing brand names, product line identifiers, specific model designations, and informal terms.
Brand Names
Manufacturers assign distinct brand names to their electronic cigarette products. These names are crucial for marketing and consumer recognition. The market features a wide array of global and regional brands, each with its own identity and product portfolio.
Product Category Designations
Beyond specific brand names, electronic cigarettes are often referred to by terms that describe their form factor, technology, or general type. These common categorizations include:
- E-cigs / E-cigarettes: A general, overarching term, often used for earlier or simpler device types.
- Vapes: A widely adopted umbrella term for most devices designed to vaporize e-liquid, whether containing nicotine or not.
- Vape Pens: Cylindrical, pen-shaped devices, typically featuring refillable tanks or replaceable pre-filled cartridges.
- Pod Systems / Pod Vapes: Compact devices that utilize a removable and often disposable “pod” to hold e-liquid. These are known for their ease of use.
- Pod Mods: More advanced versions of pod systems, often offering features like adjustable wattage, larger battery capacity, and replaceable coils, bridging the gap between simple pod systems and more complex mods.
- Mods (Box Mods): Typically larger, more powerful, and often box-shaped devices. They allow for significant user customization, including interchangeable batteries, tanks (atomizers), and coils. These are generally favored by experienced users seeking greater control over their vaping experience.
- Disposable Vapes: Single-use devices that come pre-filled with e-liquid and a pre-charged battery. They are designed to be discarded once the e-liquid is depleted or the battery life ends.
- Cigalikes: Devices designed to mimic the appearance and size of traditional tobacco cigarettes. These were among the earliest forms of e-cigarettes.
- ENDS (Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems): A formal term primarily used in regulatory, scientific, and public health contexts to describe these devices when used with nicotine-containing e-liquids.
- ENNDS (Electronic Non-Nicotine Delivery Systems): A similar formal term for devices used with e-liquids that do not contain nicotine.
Model-Specific Names and Numbers
Individual electronic cigarette devices within a brand’s portfolio are distinguished by specific model names or alphanumeric codes. These can take several forms:
- Alphanumeric Series: Combinations of letters and numbers (e.g., “X Series,” “Model 2.0”).
- Descriptive or Evocative Names: Words chosen to imply certain qualities (e.g., “Aegis,” “Luxe,” “Nord”).
- Sequential Numbering or Lettering: Indicating newer generations or variations within a product line (e.g., “Caliburn G2,” “Drag 4,” “RPM 5 Pro”).
These specific identifiers help differentiate products based on features, release date, target audience, or design iteration.
Informal and Slang Terminology
In addition to official nomenclature, various informal terms and slang are used by consumers to refer to electronic cigarettes or specific types of devices. While these vary by region and user community, “vape” is commonly used to refer to the device itself. Other slang may describe particular shapes or functionalities, but these are not standardized manufacturer-designated names.
