diff --git a/doc/fixes34.2 b/doc/fixes34.2
index d66296873..5835fe8f4 100644
--- a/doc/fixes34.2
+++ b/doc/fixes34.2
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ General Fixes and Modified Features
 -----------------------------------
 avoid panic when secondary weapon is cursed while generating bones level
 don't crash when applying a figurine, candle, or bell that gets used up
+grammar bits
 
 
 Platform- and/or Interface-Specific Fixes
diff --git a/src/invent.c b/src/invent.c
index 0ac4fbb45..310d9ad34 100644
--- a/src/invent.c
+++ b/src/invent.c
@@ -968,7 +968,12 @@ register const char *let,*word;
 		}
 		if(ilet == def_oc_syms[COIN_CLASS]) {
 			if (!usegold) {
-			    You("cannot %s gold.", word);
+			    if (!strncmp(word, "rub on ", 7)) {
+				/* the dangers of building sentences... */
+				You("cannot rub gold%s.", word + 3);
+			    } else {
+				You("cannot %s gold.", word);
+			    }
 			    return(struct obj *)0;
 #ifndef GOLDOBJ
 			} else if (!allowgold) {