Glossary, Poppers in the UK

A

Amyl Nitrite.
 One of the original chemical compounds used in poppers. Initially developed for medical use it's now a common term used generically to describe poppers, although most poppers in the UK are not pure amyl nitrite due to regulation.

Alkyl Nitrites. 
The chemical family that includes amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite, isopropyl nitrite, and others. In most room aromas you will find one or a combination of these nitrites.

Aromas / Room Odourisers. 
This is often used to describe poppers. It also referrers to the function, as the product is to odorise a room and not for human consumption.

B

Booty Bump
. A slang term sometimes used in sexual contexts involving poppers, typically meaning combining them with anal play.

Butyl Nitrite
. A type of alkyl nitrite formerly popular in poppers. Now less common in the UK due to legal controls.

C

Cliff Effect
. Describes the quick and sudden end to the effect poppers can have. Room aromas last for 1–2 minutes before rapidly diminishing.

Cracking a Bottle. 
Slang for opening a fresh bottle of poppers, which releases the aromas from the bottle.

D

Double Dose
. A practice of opening 2 or more bottle at the same time enhancing the strength. It can also refer to odorising with two separate formulas.

E

Euphoria
. One of the main effects of poppers: a short-lived feeling of warmth, light-headedness, and pleasure.

G

Gold Rush. 
A popular brand of poppers widely sold in the UK and globally. Known for its strong effects and sleek branding.

GMP
. Stands for “Good Manufacturing Practice.” Some brands market themselves as being made under GMP conditions to suggest higher safety standards.

H

Hardcore. 
Poppers that are marketed for their strength are often referred to as hardcore. Like Berlin XXX Hardcore for example. These are not recommended for first time users.

High Street Poppers. 
Poppers sold in physical UK sex shops, headshops, or convenience stores. May differ from online-exclusive formulations.

I

Intensity. refers to the effect of the room aromas. The more intense the stronger the effect. This is something to note when you are reading product descriptions

Isopropyl Nitrite.
 The most commonly used nitrite in UK-sold poppers as of 2025, following regulatory changes. Considered strong and popular. 

J

Jungle Juice poppers. 
Another iconic poppers brand, known for powerful effects. Available in several formulations (Gold, Platinum, Black Label).

L

Legal Status (UK).
 Poppers are legal to sell and use in the UK. They are not controlled substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act but are regulated under chemical safety laws. In 2016, a government review confirmed their legality for recreational use.

Lube and Poppers. 
Often used together for adult fun. In highstreet store you will often find Poppers and lube in one combi-pack. A great way to get some extra value.

M

Muscle Relaxation
. One of poppers’ key physiological effects. They cause smooth muscle relaxation.

Mixed pack. Many stores, like ours, offer mixed packs. In our case this means you get 3 different brands in one pack. This is a great way to try out new brands. Mixed packs are reduced in price so you will save some money as well.

N

Nitrite Burns
. Skin irritation caused by contact with the liquid form of poppers. At all-time avoid contact with skin.

Next day Delivery. Customer often like quick delivery of their order so we have a next day delivery option in our store. If you order on a weekday before 14.00PM we will ship the order on a next day service.

O

Over-the-Counter
. Poppers can be purchased without a prescription in the UK, usually sold as room odourisers in sex shops, adult stores, or online.

P

Poppers. 
Slang term for alkyl nitrites. The name comes from the original method of accessing amyl nitrite in the 1960s—glass capsules that “popped” when crushed.

Power Pellet. Some poppers have a power pellet in the bottle. The thought behind this is that it reinvigorates the formula when you shake the bottle. Specifically, when you re-open an already used bottle. Give it a shake and allegedly it refreshes the formula.

Poppers UK referes to poppers made in the UK. 

Q

Queer Culture. 
Poppers have a deep-rooted presence in LGBTQ+ history, particularly among gay men since the 1970s. Still widely used in queer nightlife, sex, and kink contexts.

R

Rush
. A popular brand of poppers. Also used as a generic term for the euphoric high they produce. Power Rush is a newer version of Rush and supposed to have extra strength.

S

Shelf Life. 
Poppers degrade over time, especially if exposed to light or air. A tightly sealed bottle stored in a cool, dark place lasts longer.

Skin Contact. 
Direct contact with the liquid can cause irritation or burns. Poppers should never be poured on the skin, clothes, or genital area. It is to be used to odourise a room.

T

Tolerance
. Repeated use can lead to reduced effect. Tolerance builds quickly but also diminishes quickly after a break.

U

UK Law
. As of 2025, poppers are not classed as psychoactive substances under the UK Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, following a Home Office review. However, they are regulated under the REACH chemical safety regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals).

V

Vaporisation is what happens to the liquid in the bottle when opened. To reduce vaporisation, store your poppers in a cold dark place. Screw the cap back on as soon as are done.

W

Where to buy poppers
. The best place is often online as you get more of a choice and you often get the best value.

Y

Yellow Stain When the fluid gets spilled it can leave a yellow stain.

Z

Zealous Relating to the energy provided by some of the brands.

 

This concludes the glossary for poppers in the UK. If you would like additional information or have any questions, feel free to contact our helpful team. All our contact delails are at the bottom of that page. We are very happy to take your call, answer your email or repond to contact forms. 

We hope you enjoy our store.

The team at PopperSuperShop.com