diff --git a/gtk2_ardour/gain_meter.cc b/gtk2_ardour/gain_meter.cc
index 6c6b3c13f8..f4aa915b5b 100644
--- a/gtk2_ardour/gain_meter.cc
+++ b/gtk2_ardour/gain_meter.cc
@@ -819,7 +819,7 @@ GainMeterBase::meterpt_string (MeterPoint mp)
 			return _("Custom");
 	}
 	assert (0);
-	return _("Custom"); // make gcc happy
+	return "???"; // make gcc and _FrnchFrgg_ happy
 }
 
 void