Do you know what kids call vapes? It’s important to be aware of the terminology used by kids when it comes to vaping. According to Dr. Susanne E. Tanski, a pediatrician and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Section on Tobacco Control, kids typically refer to e-cigarettes as vapes. This is a term that has become increasingly popular among young people in recent years.
It’s crucial to understand the language used by kids when discussing vaping, as it can help parents and educators better communicate with them about the dangers of e-cigarettes. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the use of e-cigarettes is unsafe for kids, teens, and young adults. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s.
By understanding what kids call vapes, parents and educators can have more informed conversations with young people about the risks associated with e-cigarettes. It’s important to keep an open dialogue with kids and to educate them about the dangers of vaping, as well as the potential long-term health consequences.
Understanding Vaping and E-Cigarettes
If you’re a parent or guardian, it’s important to understand what vaping and e-cigarettes are so you can talk to your kids about the risks. Vaping is the act of inhaling a vapor created by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or other vaping device. E-cigarettes heat a liquid until it becomes a vapor, which is then inhaled. This liquid, also known as “e-liquid” or “vape juice,” can contain nicotine or marijuana distillate or oil.
E-cigarettes come in many shapes and sizes, and some look like everyday items commonly used by young people, such as pens or memory sticks (USBs) [1]. Some e-cigarettes look like regular cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, while others resemble household objects like USB devices, pens, highlighters, and chargers [2].
One of the biggest concerns with vaping is that it can be addictive. The nicotine found in most e-cigarettes is addictive and can harm brain development. Using nicotine in adolescence can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control [3]. It’s important to note that some e-cigarettes marketed as containing zero percent nicotine have been found to contain nicotine [3].
In addition to nicotine addiction, vaping can also have negative effects on your health. The aerosol produced by e-cigarettes can contain harmful chemicals, including heavy metals like lead, volatile organic compounds, and cancer-causing agents [2]. Vaping can also cause lung damage, including lung inflammation and lung fluid accumulation [2].
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Common Names for Vapes Among Kids
If you’re a parent or caregiver, it’s important to know the common names that kids use to refer to vapes. Here are some of the most common names for vapes among kids:
- E-cigs
- Vapes
- Vape pens
- Mods
- E-hookahs
- Tank systems
It’s important to note that there are many different types of vapes, and they can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some vapes look like regular cigarettes, while others may look like pens or USB drives. Disposable vapes are also becoming more popular, and they can look similar to regular cigarettes.
It’s also worth mentioning that some vapes are marketed to kids with bright colors and fruity flavors. This can make them more appealing to young people, and it’s important to talk to your kids about the dangers of vaping.
In addition to the common names listed above, there are also many different brand names for vapes. Some popular brands include JUUL, Blu, and Vuse. If you hear your child talking about any of these brands, it’s important to have a conversation with them about the risks of vaping.
Overall, it’s important to stay informed about the different names and types of vapes that kids may be using. By having open and honest conversations with your kids, you can help them make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
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Regional Slang for Vapes
Kids all over the world have their own slang for vaping devices. Here are a few examples of regional slang for vapes.
North American Slang
In North America, kids use a variety of slang terms to refer to vapes. Here are a few examples:
- Juul: This term is used to refer to a specific brand of vape that has become very popular among young people.
- Vape pen: This is a common term used to refer to any type of vape device that looks like a pen.
- Mod: This term is used to refer to larger vape devices that have more features and can be customized.
European Slang
In Europe, kids also have their own slang terms for vapes. Here are a few examples:
- E-cig: This term is used to refer to any type of electronic cigarette.
- Shisha pen: This term is used to refer to a type of vape device that is designed to look like a hookah pipe.
- Cloud chasing: This term is used to describe the act of exhaling a large cloud of vape smoke.
Asian Slang
In Asia, kids also have their own slang terms for vapes. Here are a few examples:
- Vape on: This term is used to encourage someone to take a hit from their vape device.
- Hookah stick: This term is used to refer to a type of disposable vape device that looks like a hookah pipe.
- Drip: This term is used to describe the act of adding e-juice directly onto the atomizer of a vape device.
Remember, no matter where you are in the world, vaping can be dangerous and addictive. It’s important to talk to your kids about the risks associated with vaping and encourage them to make healthy choices.
Influence of Pop Culture on Vape Terminology
Kids and teens are heavily influenced by pop culture, and this is reflected in the terminology they use to refer to vaping. The rise of social media and viral trends has made it easier for young people to adopt new slang and terminology, and vaping is no exception.
One of the most popular terms for vaping among young people is “Juuling,” which refers to using a specific brand of e-cigarette called JUUL. JUULs have become especially popular among teens due to their sleek design and discrete size, which makes them easy to conceal. This has led to concerns about the high levels of nicotine in JUUL pods and the potential for addiction among young users.
Another popular term for vaping is “cloud chasing,” which refers to the practice of exhaling large clouds of vapor. This has become a popular trend on social media, with users sharing videos of themselves performing elaborate vape tricks and blowing massive clouds of vapor.
Young people have also adopted a range of other terms to describe vaping, including “vaping,” “e-cigs,” “vape pens,” “mods,” and “e-juice.” These terms are often used interchangeably, and the specific terminology used may vary depending on the individual and their social group.
Overall, the influence of pop culture on vape terminology has helped to make vaping more appealing and accessible to young people. However, it has also contributed to the normalization of vaping and the perception that it is a harmless activity. It is important for parents, educators, and health professionals to be aware of these trends and to work together to educate young people about the risks associated with vaping.
Impact of Social Media on Vape Slang
Social media has played a significant role in shaping the language surrounding vaping. As vaping has become more popular among young people, so has the slang used to describe it. Here are some of the most common terms used by kids to refer to vapes:
- Juul: Juul is a brand of e-cigarette that has become synonymous with vaping for many young people. It’s often used as a verb, as in “Let’s Juul after school.”
- Vape: The term “vape” is used to describe the act of using an e-cigarette. It can also refer to the device itself.
- Clouds: “Clouds” refers to the vapor produced by an e-cigarette. Many young people enjoy producing large clouds of vapor as a way to show off their vaping skills.
- Nic: Short for nicotine, “Nic” is often used to describe the strength of e-liquid. For example, a vape juice with 6mg of nicotine might be referred to as “6 Nic.”
- Pods: Pods are small cartridges that contain e-liquid and are used in many types of e-cigarettes. They are often interchangeable between different devices.
Social media has also played a role in the spread of vaping-related memes and jokes. Some of these memes make light of the health risks associated with vaping, which can contribute to a culture of normalization around vaping.
It’s important to be aware of the language used by young people when talking about vaping. By understanding the slang and memes surrounding vaping, parents and educators can better communicate with young people about the risks associated with e-cigarette use.
How Schools Are Addressing Vape Terminology
As vaping has become more prevalent among young people, schools have had to address not only the use of e-cigarettes but also the terminology surrounding them. It’s important for educators to be familiar with the slang terms used by students to discuss vaping so that they can effectively communicate with them and address the issue.
Some common slang terms used by kids to refer to vapes include:
- Juul
- Vape pen
- E-cig
- Mod
- Tank
- Pod
- Nic
- Cloud chasing
Schools are taking a variety of approaches to address the use of these terms. Some are incorporating them into anti-vaping campaigns, using the terms in educational materials to help students understand the risks associated with vaping. Others are taking a more disciplinary approach, banning the use of slang terms related to vaping on school grounds.
One school in California has even gone so far as to create a “vape dictionary” to help educators and parents understand the terminology used by students. The dictionary includes definitions for terms like “ghost hit” (inhaling and holding in the vapor without exhaling) and “vape tricks” (performing tricks with the vapor).
It’s important for schools to stay up-to-date on the latest terminology related to vaping so that they can effectively communicate with students and address the issue of vaping in schools. By understanding the slang terms used by kids, educators can better connect with them and help them make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
The Role of Parents in Understanding Vape Slang
As a parent, it’s important to understand the language that kids use when referring to vapes. This knowledge can help you identify when your child is talking about vaping and potentially prevent them from using these products.
Here are some common terms that kids use when referring to vapes:
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Juul: A popular brand of e-cigarette that is small and discreet, making it easy for kids to hide.
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Pods: Refers to the cartridges that contain the liquid used in e-cigarettes.
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Vape pen: A type of e-cigarette that looks like a pen or a USB drive.
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Dripping: A method of vaping where the liquid is dropped directly onto the heating coil of the e-cigarette.
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Cloud chasing: A term used to describe the act of exhaling large clouds of vapor.
It’s important to note that not all vaping slang is easily identifiable. Kids may use code words or acronyms to refer to vaping that may not be immediately clear to parents. If you hear your child using unfamiliar language, don’t be afraid to ask them what it means.
As a parent, it’s also important to have open and honest conversations with your child about the dangers of vaping. By understanding the language they use and having open communication, you can help prevent your child from using these harmful products.