diff --git a/src/wield.c b/src/wield.c
index 7c75cab31..51920b7d4 100644
--- a/src/wield.c
+++ b/src/wield.c
@@ -262,8 +262,13 @@ ready_weapon(struct obj *wep)
 
             if ((this_shkp = shop_keeper(inside_shop(u.ux, u.uy)))
                 != (struct monst *) 0) {
-                pline("%s says \"You be careful with my %s!\"",
-                      shkname(this_shkp), xname(wep));
+                /* check msound because we don't have access to muteshk() */
+                if (!Deaf && this_shkp->data->msound > MS_ANIMAL)
+                    pline("%s says \"You be careful with my %s!\"",
+                          shkname(this_shkp), xname(wep));
+                else
+                    pline("%s looks apprehensive about your wielding %s %s.",
+                          shkname(this_shkp), mhis(this_shkp), xname(wep));
             }
         }
     }