Discover the vocabulary of shisha!

As in every specialist field, the world of shisha has its own codes, its own rituals and, above all, its own language. In this article we review the vocabulary specific to the water pipe.

Understanding shisha vocabulary

The world of shisha can be baffling to newcomers. This article gives the basics so that you are not lost during your first sessions. You may even surprise the people around you by using a few technical terms during a group session.

These terms are universal: every shisha user employs them. They are not a matter of style or of fancy vocabulary meant to impress. They are the words actually used by trade professionals, users and enthusiasts. The list of terms worth knowing is not exhaustive and can be extended over time, but these few will already keep you from being lost if you are new to shisha.

The terms most often used by shisha professionals

There are 10 essential words that every shisha user should know. Here they are:

• Airflow: the flow of air passing through the bowl or the hose
• Overpack: the term for contact between the heating system and the tobacco
• Underpack: unlike the previous one, this term means that there is no contact between the heating system and the tobacco
• Foil or natural: specifies whether the preparation uses aluminium foil or natural charcoal
• Heat Management Device (HMD): the heating system
• Flat: a type of charcoal, cubic and flat in shape
• Quick Lightning: a self-lighting charcoal
• Vortex bowl: a bowl with several holes
• Phunnel bowl: a bowl with a single hole
• A pack: a method of preparing the bowl