Do you say "vape" or "vaping"? We tell you everything!

Where does the verb "to vape" come from?

At first, no term existed to describe the action of using an e-cigarette; the verb "to smoke" was therefore used by default. Yet, while the principle seemed the same on the surface, it quickly became obvious that the cigarette and the e-cigarette had nothing in common but their name. Indeed, whereas smoking a cigarette is characterized by combustion followed by the inhalation of smoke, the electronic cigarette vaporizes a liquid that turns into vapor — making it far less harmful to health. From this observation came the desire to dissociate these two options, in particular by defining a more appropriate action verb for the e-cigarette.

In 2008, the website info-ecigarette.fr took the initiative by organizing a contest to replace the phrase "smoking an electronic cigarette." Among the various proposals put forward ("fluver", "smoguer" or "e-cloper"), the verb "vapoter" was ultimately adopted by the majority of voters. Even though the choice was close (22.82% of the votes, against 22.17% for "fluver"), it proved rather fitting, as etymologically it refers directly to the idea of vaporization. The term then quickly spread into popular language, notably thanks to the media, and gave rise to the words "vapoteurs" and "vapoteuses." Given the undeniable success of the e-cigarette, the verb "vapoter" appeared in the Petit Larousse dictionary for the first time in 2015.

Why do people prefer the verb "to vape"?

Although the verb "to vape" was designated as the mainstream expression par excellence, it does not enjoy unanimous support among the many vaping enthusiasts in France. Indeed, the suffix associated with the French verb contributes to giving the e-cigarette a pejorative connotation and ultimately an unserious image. It is true that before the e-cigarette was recognized at its true worth as a recommendable solution for quitting smoking, it was initially met with a degree of mistrust regarding its real long-term effectiveness and was considered more of a gadget — despite its innovative character. The use of the verb "to vape" in its French form seemed justified at the time. However, things have changed considerably, as we now know that the e-cigarette is safe and proves genuinely effective against tobacco. Moreover, affordable e-cigarettes are now available today, which are far more advanced than before from a technological standpoint. This is why various surveys have highlighted the fact that many users preferred to use the verb "to vape," following the example of English-speaking communities, rather than the French equivalent — just as cigarette smokers use the verb "to smoke" and not some diminutive form. 

So, even if the debate remains open between the supporters of each camp, both formulations are correct and perfectly understandable. Everyone is therefore free to choose the term they prefer. Want to get a vape device at the best price? Discover a wide range of e-cigarettes at low prices on Le Vapoteur Discount right now!

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