diff --git a/include/monst.h b/include/monst.h
index 20643ede0..535b0ffbd 100644
--- a/include/monst.h
+++ b/include/monst.h
@@ -233,6 +233,8 @@ struct monst {
 #define troll_baned(m,o) \
     ((m)->data->mlet == S_TROLL && (o) && (o)->oartifact == ART_TROLLSBANE)
 
+#define engulfing_u(mon) (u.uswallow && (u.ustuck == (mon)))
+
 /* Get the maximum difficulty monsters that can currently be generated,
    given the current level difficulty and the hero's level. */
 #define monmax_difficulty(levdif) (((levdif) + u.ulevel) / 2)
diff --git a/src/artifact.c b/src/artifact.c
index 3f680a118..2f04f284e 100644
--- a/src/artifact.c
+++ b/src/artifact.c
@@ -1147,7 +1147,7 @@ artifact_hit(struct monst *magr, struct monst *mdef, struct obj *otmp,
     boolean youdefend = (mdef == &g.youmonst);
     boolean vis = (!youattack && magr && cansee(magr->mx, magr->my))
                   || (!youdefend && cansee(mdef->mx, mdef->my))
-                  || (youattack && u.uswallow && mdef == u.ustuck && !Blind);
+                  || (youattack && engulfing_u(mdef) && !Blind);
     boolean realizes_damage;
     const char *wepdesc;
     static const char you[] = "you";
@@ -1241,7 +1241,7 @@ artifact_hit(struct monst *magr, struct monst *mdef, struct obj *otmp,
         if (otmp->oartifact == ART_TSURUGI_OF_MURAMASA && dieroll == 1) {
             wepdesc = "The razor-sharp blade";
             /* not really beheading, but so close, why add another SPFX */
-            if (youattack && u.uswallow && mdef == u.ustuck) {
+            if (youattack && engulfing_u(mdef)) {
                 You("slice %s wide open!", mon_nam(mdef));
                 *dmgptr = 2 * mdef->mhp + FATAL_DAMAGE_MODIFIER;
                 return TRUE;
@@ -1287,7 +1287,7 @@ artifact_hit(struct monst *magr, struct monst *mdef, struct obj *otmp,
             static const char *const behead_msg[2] = { "%s beheads %s!",
                                                        "%s decapitates %s!" };
 
-            if (youattack && u.uswallow && mdef == u.ustuck)
+            if (youattack && engulfing_u(mdef))
                 return FALSE;
             wepdesc = artilist[ART_VORPAL_BLADE].name;
             if (!youdefend) {
diff --git a/src/do_name.c b/src/do_name.c
index d1b92b435..7009123d4 100644
--- a/src/do_name.c
+++ b/src/do_name.c
@@ -1734,7 +1734,7 @@ x_monnam(
     do_invis = mtmp->minvis && !(suppress & SUPPRESS_INVISIBLE);
     do_it = !canspotmon(mtmp) && article != ARTICLE_YOUR
             && !g.program_state.gameover && mtmp != u.usteed
-            && !(u.uswallow && mtmp == u.ustuck) && !(suppress & SUPPRESS_IT);
+            && !engulfing_u(mtmp) && !(suppress & SUPPRESS_IT);
     do_saddle = !(suppress & SUPPRESS_SADDLE);
     do_name = !(suppress & SUPPRESS_NAME) || type_is_pname(mdat);
     augment_it = (suppress & AUGMENT_IT) != 0;
diff --git a/src/dokick.c b/src/dokick.c
index 2d32bd992..4a4bd107c 100644
--- a/src/dokick.c
+++ b/src/dokick.c
@@ -924,7 +924,7 @@ dokick(void)
                       to an unseen square doesn't leave an I behind */
                    && mtmp->mx == x && mtmp->my == y
                    && !glyph_is_invisible(glyph)
-                   && !(u.uswallow && mtmp == u.ustuck)) {
+                   && !engulfing_u(mtmp)) {
             map_invisible(x, y);
         }
         /* recoil if floating */
diff --git a/src/dothrow.c b/src/dothrow.c
index ee851c6ef..c0682e77b 100644
--- a/src/dothrow.c
+++ b/src/dothrow.c
@@ -1678,7 +1678,7 @@ thitmonst(register struct monst *mon,
     register int tmp;     /* Base chance to hit */
     register int disttmp; /* distance modifier */
     int otyp = obj->otyp, hmode;
-    boolean guaranteed_hit = (u.uswallow && mon == u.ustuck);
+    boolean guaranteed_hit = engulfing_u(mon);
     int dieroll;
 
     hmode = (obj == uwep) ? HMON_APPLIED
diff --git a/src/explode.c b/src/explode.c
index 73ae23cd8..c10eea024 100644
--- a/src/explode.c
+++ b/src/explode.c
@@ -363,7 +363,7 @@ explode(
                     } while (*hallu_buf != lowc(*hallu_buf));
                     str = hallu_buf;
                 }
-                if (u.uswallow && mtmp == u.ustuck) {
+                if (engulfing_u(mtmp)) {
                     const char *adj = (char *) 0;
 
                     if (is_animal(u.ustuck->data)) {
diff --git a/src/invent.c b/src/invent.c
index 830d24ce7..e8c41ba41 100644
--- a/src/invent.c
+++ b/src/invent.c
@@ -4428,7 +4428,7 @@ display_minventory(struct monst *mon, int dflags, char *title)
     int n;
     menu_item *selected = 0;
     int do_all = (dflags & MINV_ALL) != 0,
-        incl_hero = (do_all && u.uswallow && mon == u.ustuck),
+        incl_hero = (do_all && engulfing_u(mon)),
         have_inv = (mon->minvent != 0), have_any = (have_inv || incl_hero),
         pickings = (dflags & MINV_PICKMASK);
 
diff --git a/src/mhitm.c b/src/mhitm.c
index e3bf647b6..eaa43cda5 100644
--- a/src/mhitm.c
+++ b/src/mhitm.c
@@ -124,7 +124,7 @@ fightm(register struct monst *mtmp)
         if (itsstuck(mtmp))
             return 0;
     }
-    has_u_swallowed = (u.uswallow && (mtmp == u.ustuck));
+    has_u_swallowed = engulfing_u(mtmp);
 
     for (mon = fmon; mon; mon = nmon) {
         nmon = mon->nmon;
@@ -486,7 +486,7 @@ mattackm(register struct monst *magr, register struct monst *mdef)
             if (distmin(magr->mx, magr->my, mdef->mx, mdef->my) > 1)
                 continue;
             /* Engulfing attacks are directed at the hero if possible. -dlc */
-            if (u.uswallow && magr == u.ustuck)
+            if (engulfing_u(magr))
                 strike = 0;
             else if ((strike = (tmp > rnd(20 + i))) != 0)
                 res[i] = gulpmm(magr, mdef, mattk);
diff --git a/src/mon.c b/src/mon.c
index 273a7f9a6..9e872a9e0 100644
--- a/src/mon.c
+++ b/src/mon.c
@@ -808,7 +808,7 @@ minliquid_core(struct monst* mtmp)
                     /* hero used fire to melt ice that monster was on */
                     You("drown %s.", mon_nam(mtmp));
             }
-            if (u.ustuck && u.uswallow && u.ustuck == mtmp) {
+            if (engulfing_u(mtmp)) {
                 /* This can happen after a purple worm plucks you off a
                    flying steed while you are over water. */
                 pline("%s sinks as %s rushes in and flushes you out.",
@@ -907,7 +907,7 @@ mcalcdistress(void)
         /* possibly polymorph shapechangers and lycanthropes */
         if (mtmp->cham >= LOW_PM)
             decide_to_shapeshift(mtmp, (canspotmon(mtmp)
-                                        || (u.uswallow && mtmp == u.ustuck))
+                                        || engulfing_u(mtmp))
                                           ? SHIFT_MSG : 0);
         were_change(mtmp);
 
@@ -2748,7 +2748,7 @@ monstone(struct monst* mdef)
         newsym(x, y);
     /* We don't currently trap the hero in the statue in this case but we
      * could */
-    if (u.uswallow && u.ustuck == mdef)
+    if (engulfing_u(mdef))
         wasinside = TRUE;
     mondead(mdef);
     if (wasinside) {
@@ -2864,7 +2864,7 @@ xkilled(
     struct obj *otmp;
     struct trap *t;
     boolean be_sad;
-    boolean wasinside = u.uswallow && (u.ustuck == mtmp),
+    boolean wasinside = engulfing_u(mtmp),
             burycorpse = FALSE,
             nomsg = (xkill_flags & XKILL_NOMSG) != 0,
             nocorpse = (xkill_flags & XKILL_NOCORPSE) != 0,
@@ -3111,7 +3111,7 @@ vamp_stone(struct monst* mtmp)
             set_mon_min_mhpmax(mtmp, 10); /* mtmp->mhpmax=max(m_lev+1,10) */
             mtmp->mhp = mtmp->mhpmax;
             /* this can happen if previously a fog cloud */
-            if (u.uswallow && (mtmp == u.ustuck))
+            if (engulfing_u(mtmp))
                 expels(mtmp, mtmp->data, FALSE);
             if (in_door) {
                 coord new_xy;
diff --git a/src/monmove.c b/src/monmove.c
index e4c340d5e..25b6bce1e 100644
--- a/src/monmove.c
+++ b/src/monmove.c
@@ -1136,7 +1136,7 @@ m_move(register struct monst* mtmp, register int after)
     gx = mtmp->mux;
     gy = mtmp->muy;
     appr = mtmp->mflee ? -1 : 1;
-    if (mtmp->mconf || (u.uswallow && mtmp == u.ustuck)) {
+    if (mtmp->mconf || engulfing_u(mtmp)) {
         appr = 0;
     } else {
         boolean should_see = (couldsee(omx, omy)
@@ -1617,7 +1617,7 @@ m_move(register struct monst* mtmp, register int after)
                 return 2; /* mon died (position already updated) */
 
             /* set also in domove(), hack.c */
-            if (u.uswallow && mtmp == u.ustuck
+            if (engulfing_u(mtmp)
                 && (mtmp->mx != omx || mtmp->my != omy)) {
                 /* If the monster moved, then update */
                 u.ux0 = u.ux;
diff --git a/src/pickup.c b/src/pickup.c
index 4da47d5c9..18cc4bfd1 100644
--- a/src/pickup.c
+++ b/src/pickup.c
@@ -950,7 +950,7 @@ query_objlist(const char *qstr,        /* query string */
     /* can't depend upon 'engulfer' because that's used to indicate whether
        hero should be shown as an extra, fake item */
     engulfer_minvent = (olist && olist->where == OBJ_MINVENT
-                        && u.uswallow && olist->ocarry == u.ustuck);
+                        && engulfing_u(olist->ocarry));
     if (engulfer_minvent && n == 1 && olist->owornmask != 0L) {
         qflags &= ~AUTOSELECT_SINGLE;
     }
@@ -1629,7 +1629,7 @@ pickup_object(struct obj *obj, long count,
     if (obj == uchain) { /* do not pick up attached chain */
         return 0;
     } else if (obj->where == OBJ_MINVENT && obj->owornmask != 0L
-               && u.uswallow && obj->ocarry == u.ustuck) {
+               && engulfing_u(obj->ocarry)) {
         You_cant("pick %s up.", ysimple_name(obj));
         return 0;
     } else if (obj->oartifact && !touch_artifact(obj, &g.youmonst)) {
diff --git a/src/read.c b/src/read.c
index cee7d22f0..bd25f9c4c 100644
--- a/src/read.c
+++ b/src/read.c
@@ -2152,7 +2152,7 @@ drop_boulder_on_monster(int x, int y, boolean confused, boolean byu)
             pline("%s is hit by %s!", Monnam(mtmp), doname(otmp2));
             if (mtmp->minvis && !canspotmon(mtmp))
                 map_invisible(mtmp->mx, mtmp->my);
-        } else if (u.uswallow && mtmp == u.ustuck)
+        } else if (engulfing_u(mtmp))
             You_hear("something hit %s %s over your %s!",
                      s_suffix(mon_nam(mtmp)), mbodypart(mtmp, STOMACH),
                      body_part(HEAD));
@@ -2185,7 +2185,7 @@ drop_boulder_on_monster(int x, int y, boolean confused, boolean byu)
             wakeup(mtmp, byu);
         }
         wake_nearto(x, y, 4 * 4);
-    } else if (u.uswallow && mtmp == u.ustuck) {
+    } else if (engulfing_u(mtmp)) {
         obfree(otmp2, (struct obj *) 0);
         /* fall through to player */
         drop_boulder_on_player(confused, TRUE, FALSE, TRUE);
diff --git a/src/steal.c b/src/steal.c
index 56922c7fe..a9b3b3591 100644
--- a/src/steal.c
+++ b/src/steal.c
@@ -518,7 +518,7 @@ mpickobj(register struct monst* mtmp, register struct obj* otmp)
        the light to be extinguished rather than letting it shine thru */
     if (obj_sheds_light(otmp) && attacktype(mtmp->data, AT_ENGL)) {
         /* this is probably a burning object that you dropped or threw */
-        if (u.uswallow && mtmp == u.ustuck && !Blind)
+        if (engulfing_u(mtmp) && !Blind)
             pline("%s out.", Tobjnam(otmp, "go"));
         snuff_otmp = TRUE;
     }
diff --git a/src/teleport.c b/src/teleport.c
index 4e4b38258..0481a0cb2 100644
--- a/src/teleport.c
+++ b/src/teleport.c
@@ -1654,7 +1654,7 @@ u_teleport_mon(struct monst* mtmp, boolean give_feedback)
         if (give_feedback)
             pline("%s resists your magic!", Monnam(mtmp));
         return FALSE;
-    } else if (u.uswallow && mtmp == u.ustuck && noteleport_level(mtmp)) {
+    } else if (engulfing_u(mtmp) && noteleport_level(mtmp)) {
         if (give_feedback)
             You("are no longer inside %s!", mon_nam(mtmp));
         unstuck(mtmp);
diff --git a/src/uhitm.c b/src/uhitm.c
index 8303c0090..d6851c210 100644
--- a/src/uhitm.c
+++ b/src/uhitm.c
@@ -124,7 +124,7 @@ attack_checks(
     /* if you're close enough to attack, alert any waiting monster */
     mtmp->mstrategy &= ~STRAT_WAITMASK;
 
-    if (u.uswallow && mtmp == u.ustuck)
+    if (engulfing_u(mtmp))
         return FALSE;
 
     if (g.context.forcefight) {
@@ -503,7 +503,7 @@ do_attack(struct monst *mtmp)
      */
     if (g.context.forcefight && !DEADMONSTER(mtmp) && !canspotmon(mtmp)
         && !glyph_is_invisible(levl[u.ux + u.dx][u.uy + u.dy].glyph)
-        && !(u.uswallow && mtmp == u.ustuck))
+        && !engulfing_u(mtmp))
         map_invisible(u.ux + u.dx, u.uy + u.dy);
 
     return TRUE;
@@ -544,7 +544,7 @@ known_hitum(struct monst *mon, struct obj *weapon, int *mhit, int rollneeded,
         if (malive) {
             /* monster still alive */
             if (!rn2(25) && mon->mhp < mon->mhpmax / 2
-                && !(u.uswallow && mon == u.ustuck)) {
+                && !engulfing_u(mon)) {
                 /* maybe should regurgitate if swallowed? */
                 monflee(mon, !rn2(3) ? rnd(100) : 0, FALSE, TRUE);
 
@@ -2366,13 +2366,12 @@ mhitm_ad_tlpt(struct monst *magr, struct attack *mattk, struct monst *mdef,
             mhm->damage = 1;
         if (!negated) {
             char nambuf[BUFSZ];
-            boolean u_saw_mon = (canseemon(mdef)
-                                 || (u.uswallow && u.ustuck == mdef));
+            boolean u_saw_mon = (canseemon(mdef) || engulfing_u(mdef));
 
             /* record the name before losing sight of monster */
             Strcpy(nambuf, Monnam(mdef));
             if (u_teleport_mon(mdef, FALSE) && u_saw_mon
-                && !(canseemon(mdef) || (u.uswallow && u.ustuck == mdef)))
+                && !(canseemon(mdef) || engulfing_u(mdef)))
                 pline("%s suddenly disappears!", nambuf);
             if (mhm->damage >= mdef->mhp) { /* see hitmu(mhitu.c) */
                 if (mdef->mhp == 1)
diff --git a/src/zap.c b/src/zap.c
index eee279770..bb9434fdc 100644
--- a/src/zap.c
+++ b/src/zap.c
@@ -140,7 +140,7 @@ bhitm(struct monst *mtmp, struct obj *otmp)
     boolean disguised_mimic = (mtmp->data->mlet == S_MIMIC
                                && M_AP_TYPE(mtmp) != M_AP_NOTHING);
 
-    if (u.uswallow && mtmp == u.ustuck)
+    if (engulfing_u(mtmp))
         reveal_invis = FALSE;
 
     g.notonhead = (mtmp->mx != g.bhitpos.x || mtmp->my != g.bhitpos.y);
@@ -177,7 +177,7 @@ bhitm(struct monst *mtmp, struct obj *otmp)
                 seemimic(mtmp);
             mon_adjust_speed(mtmp, -1, otmp);
             m_dowear(mtmp, FALSE); /* might want speed boots */
-            if (u.uswallow && (mtmp == u.ustuck) && is_whirly(mtmp->data)) {
+            if (engulfing_u(mtmp) && is_whirly(mtmp->data)) {
                 You("disrupt %s!", mon_nam(mtmp));
                 pline("A huge hole opens up...");
                 expels(mtmp, mtmp->data, TRUE);
@@ -229,7 +229,7 @@ bhitm(struct monst *mtmp, struct obj *otmp)
             boolean polyspot = (otyp != POT_POLYMORPH),
                     give_msg = (!Hallucination
                                 && (canseemon(mtmp)
-                                    || (u.uswallow && mtmp == u.ustuck)));
+                                    || engulfing_u(mtmp)));
 
             /* dropped inventory (due to death by system shock,
                or loss of wielded weapon and/or worn armor due to
@@ -258,7 +258,7 @@ bhitm(struct monst *mtmp, struct obj *otmp)
                            && newcham(mtmp, &mons[mtmp->cham],
                                       polyspot, give_msg) != 0)) {
                 if (give_msg && (canspotmon(mtmp)
-                                 || (u.uswallow && mtmp == u.ustuck)))
+                                 || engulfing_u(mtmp)))
                     learn_it = TRUE;
             }
 
@@ -529,7 +529,7 @@ probe_monster(struct monst *mtmp)
                                   (char *) 0);
     } else {
         pline("%s is not carrying anything%s.", noit_Monnam(mtmp),
-              (u.uswallow && mtmp == u.ustuck) ? " besides you" : "");
+              engulfing_u(mtmp) ? " besides you" : "");
     }
 }
 
@@ -3308,7 +3308,7 @@ hit(const char *str, struct monst *mtmp,
     const char *force) /* usually either "." or "!" */
 {
     if ((!cansee(g.bhitpos.x, g.bhitpos.y) && !canspotmon(mtmp)
-         && !(u.uswallow && mtmp == u.ustuck)) || !flags.verbose)
+         && !engulfing_u(mtmp)) || !flags.verbose)
         pline("%s %s it.", The(str), vtense(str, "hit"));
     else
         pline("%s %s %s%s", The(str), vtense(str, "hit"),
@@ -3860,7 +3860,7 @@ zhitm(
         if (spellcaster)
             tmp = spell_damage_bonus(tmp);
         if (!resists_blnd(mon)
-            && !(type > 0 && u.uswallow && mon == u.ustuck)) {
+            && !(type > 0 && engulfing_u(mon))) {
             register unsigned rnd_tmp = rnd(50);
             mon->mcansee = 0;
             if ((mon->mblinded + rnd_tmp) > 127)