diff --git a/src/activity_handlers.cpp b/src/activity_handlers.cpp
index 373a316ff6108..f28bcb192aa19 100644
--- a/src/activity_handlers.cpp
+++ b/src/activity_handlers.cpp
@@ -3248,12 +3248,11 @@ void activity_handlers::craft_do_turn( player_activity *act, player *p )
     // item_location::get_item() will return nullptr if the item is lost
     if( !craft ) {
         p->add_msg_player_or_npc(
-            string_format( _( "You no longer have the in progress craft in your possession.  "
-                              "You stop crafting.  "
-                              "Reactivate the in progress craft to continue crafting." ) ),
-            string_format( _( "<npcname> no longer has the in progress craft in their possession.  "
-                              "<npcname> stops crafting." ) )
-        );
+            _( "You no longer have the in progress craft in your possession.  "
+               "You stop crafting.  "
+               "Reactivate the in progress craft to continue crafting." ),
+            _( "<npcname> no longer has the in progress craft in their possession.  "
+               "<npcname> stops crafting." ) );
         p->cancel_activity();
         return;
     }
diff --git a/src/activity_item_handling.cpp b/src/activity_item_handling.cpp
index 744f0ef1a24e5..34a161fcd7a5a 100644
--- a/src/activity_item_handling.cpp
+++ b/src/activity_item_handling.cpp
@@ -1358,7 +1358,7 @@ void activity_on_turn_move_loot( player_activity &, player &p )
     }
 
     // If we got here without restarting the activity, it means we're done
-    add_msg( m_info, string_format( _( "%s sorted out every item possible." ), p.disp_name() ) );
+    add_msg( m_info, _( "%s sorted out every item possible." ), p.disp_name() );
     if( p.is_npc() ) {
         npc *guy = dynamic_cast<npc *>( &p );
         guy->current_activity_id = activity_id::NULL_ID();
diff --git a/src/advanced_inv.cpp b/src/advanced_inv.cpp
index 5c840c7805444..0ba28602957af 100644
--- a/src/advanced_inv.cpp
+++ b/src/advanced_inv.cpp
@@ -355,7 +355,7 @@ void advanced_inventory::print_items( advanced_inventory_pane &pane, bool active
         if( it.has_owner() ) {
             const faction *item_fac = it.get_owner();
             if( item_fac != g->faction_manager_ptr->get( faction_id( "your_followers" ) ) ) {
-                stolen_string = string_format( "<color_light_red>!</color>" );
+                stolen_string = "<color_light_red>!</color>";
                 stolen = true;
             }
         }
diff --git a/src/basecamp.cpp b/src/basecamp.cpp
index 560d40a783455..1dc541b226384 100644
--- a/src/basecamp.cpp
+++ b/src/basecamp.cpp
@@ -482,7 +482,7 @@ void basecamp::query_new_name()
 {
     std::string camp_name;
     string_input_popup popup;
-    popup.title( string_format( _( "Name this camp" ) ) )
+    popup.title( _( "Name this camp" ) )
     .width( 40 )
     .text( "" )
     .max_length( 25 )
diff --git a/src/bionics.cpp b/src/bionics.cpp
index 756978b73d05a..eef0ed87ebbf9 100644
--- a/src/bionics.cpp
+++ b/src/bionics.cpp
@@ -751,8 +751,7 @@ bool player::deactivate_bionic( int b, bool eff_only )
         if( weapon.typeId() == bionics[ bio.id ].fake_item ) {
             add_msg_if_player( _( "You withdraw your %s." ), weapon.tname() );
             if( g->u.sees( pos() ) ) {
-                add_msg_if_npc( m_info, string_format( _( "%s withdraws %s %s." ), disp_name(), disp_name( true ),
-                                                       weapon.tname() ) );
+                add_msg_if_npc( m_info, _( "<npcname> withdraws %s %s." ), disp_name( true ), weapon.tname() );
             }
             bio.ammo_loaded = weapon.ammo_data() != nullptr ? weapon.ammo_data()->get_id() : "null";
             bio.ammo_count = static_cast<unsigned int>( weapon.ammo_remaining() );
diff --git a/src/character.cpp b/src/character.cpp
index 667339b809369..10cd514705a8a 100644
--- a/src/character.cpp
+++ b/src/character.cpp
@@ -2738,8 +2738,7 @@ hp_part Character::body_window( const std::string &menu_header,
         if( bitten ) {
             desc << colorize( string_format( "%s: ", get_effect( effect_bite,
                                              e.bp ).get_speed_name() ), c_red );
-            desc << colorize( string_format( _( "It has a deep bite wound that needs cleaning." ) ),
-                              c_red ) << "\n";
+            desc << colorize( _( "It has a deep bite wound that needs cleaning." ), c_red ) << "\n";
             if( bite > 0 ) {
                 desc << colorize( string_format( _( "Chance to clean and disinfect: %d %%" ),
                                                  static_cast<int>( bite * 100 ) ), c_light_green ) << "\n";
@@ -2751,8 +2750,7 @@ hp_part Character::body_window( const std::string &menu_header,
         if( infected ) {
             desc << colorize( string_format( "%s: ", get_effect( effect_infected,
                                              e.bp ).get_speed_name() ), c_red );
-            desc << colorize( string_format(
-                                  _( "It has a deep wound that looks infected. Antibiotics might be required." ) ),
+            desc << colorize( _( "It has a deep wound that looks infected. Antibiotics might be required." ),
                               c_red ) << "\n";
             if( infect > 0 ) {
                 desc << colorize( string_format( _( "Chance to heal infection: %d %%" ),
@@ -2781,7 +2779,7 @@ hp_part Character::body_window( const std::string &menu_header,
 
         if( ( !e.allowed && !limb_is_broken ) || ( show_all && current_hp == maximal_hp &&
                 !limb_is_broken && !bitten && !infected && !bleeding ) ) {
-            desc << colorize( string_format( _( "Healthy." ) ), c_green ) << "\n";
+            desc << colorize( _( "Healthy." ), c_green ) << "\n";
         }
         if( !e.allowed ) {
             desc << colorize( _( "You don't expect any effect from using this." ), c_yellow );
diff --git a/src/crafting.cpp b/src/crafting.cpp
index 5822c4d549670..010927bd4f2a6 100644
--- a/src/crafting.cpp
+++ b/src/crafting.cpp
@@ -698,22 +698,18 @@ static item_location set_item_map_or_vehicle( const player &p, const tripoint &l
         if( const cata::optional<vehicle_stack::iterator> it = vp->vehicle().add_item( vp->part_index(),
                 newit ) ) {
             p.add_msg_player_or_npc(
-                string_format( pgettext( "item, furniture", "You put the %s on the %s." ),
-                               ( *it )->tname(), vp->part().name() ),
-                string_format( pgettext( "item, furniture", "<npcname> puts the %s on the %s." ),
-                               ( *it )->tname(), vp->part().name() ) );
+                pgettext( "item, furniture", "You put the %s on the %s." ),
+                pgettext( "item, furniture", "<npcname> puts the %s on the %s." ),
+                ( *it )->tname(), vp->part().name() );
 
             return item_location( vehicle_cursor( vp->vehicle(), vp->part_index() ), & **it );
         }
 
         // Couldn't add the in progress craft to the target part, so drop it to the map.
         p.add_msg_player_or_npc(
-            string_format( pgettext( "furniture, item",
-                                     "Not enough space on the %s. You drop the %s on the ground." ),
-                           vp->part().name(), newit.tname() ),
-            string_format( pgettext( "furniture, item",
-                                     "Not enough space on the %s. <npcname> drops the %s on the ground." ),
-                           vp->part().name(), newit.tname() ) );
+            pgettext( "furniture, item", "Not enough space on the %s. You drop the %s on the ground." ),
+            pgettext( "furniture, item", "Not enough space on the %s. <npcname> drops the %s on the ground." ),
+            vp->part().name(), newit.tname() );
 
         return set_item_map( loc, newit );
 
@@ -721,16 +717,14 @@ static item_location set_item_map_or_vehicle( const player &p, const tripoint &l
         if( g->m.has_furn( loc ) ) {
             const furn_t &workbench = g->m.furn( loc ).obj();
             p.add_msg_player_or_npc(
-                string_format( pgettext( "item, furniture", "You put the %s on the %s." ),
-                               newit.tname(), workbench.name() ),
-                string_format( pgettext( "item, furniture", "<npcname> puts the %s on the %s." ),
-                               newit.tname(), workbench.name() ) );
+                pgettext( "item, furniture", "You put the %s on the %s." ),
+                pgettext( "item, furniture", "<npcname> puts the %s on the %s." ),
+                newit.tname(), workbench.name() );
         } else {
             p.add_msg_player_or_npc(
-                string_format( pgettext( "item", "You put the %s on the ground." ),
-                               newit.tname() ),
-                string_format( pgettext( "item", "<npcname> puts the %s on the ground." ),
-                               newit.tname() ) );
+                pgettext( "item", "You put the %s on the ground." ),
+                pgettext( "item", "<npcname> puts the %s on the ground." ),
+                newit.tname() );
         }
         return set_item_map( loc, newit );
     }
@@ -795,7 +789,7 @@ void player::start_craft( craft_command &command, const tripoint &loc )
             amenu.text = string_format( pgettext( "in progress craft", "What to do with the %s?" ),
                                         craft.display_name() );
             amenu.addentry( WIELD_CRAFT, !weapon.has_flag( "NO_UNWIELD" ), '1',
-                            string_format( _( "Dispose of your wielded %s and start working." ), weapon.tname() ) );
+                            _( "Dispose of your wielded %s and start working." ), weapon.tname() );
             amenu.addentry( DROP_CRAFT, true, '2', _( "Put it down and start working." ) );
             const bool can_stash = can_pickVolume( craft ) &&
                                    can_pickWeight( craft, !get_option<bool>( "DANGEROUS_PICKUPS" ) );
@@ -843,10 +837,9 @@ void player::start_craft( craft_command &command, const tripoint &loc )
     activity.values.push_back( command.is_long() );
 
     add_msg_player_or_npc(
-        string_format( pgettext( "in progress craft", "You start working on the %s." ),
-                       craft.tname() ),
-        string_format( pgettext( "in progress craft", "<npcname> starts working on the %s." ),
-                       craft.tname() ) );
+        pgettext( "in progress craft", "You start working on the %s." ),
+        pgettext( "in progress craft", "<npcname> starts working on the %s." ),
+        craft.tname() );
 }
 
 void player::craft_skill_gain( const item &craft, const int &multiplier )
@@ -1000,10 +993,8 @@ static void destroy_random_component( item &craft, const player &crafter )
 
     item destroyed = random_entry_removed( craft.components );
 
-    crafter.add_msg_player_or_npc(
-        string_format( _( "You mess up and destroy the %s." ), destroyed.tname() ),
-        string_format( _( "<npcname> messes up and destroys the %s" ), destroyed.tname() )
-    );
+    crafter.add_msg_player_or_npc( _( "You mess up and destroy the %s." ),
+                                   _( "<npcname> messes up and destroys the %s" ), destroyed.tname() );
 }
 
 void item::handle_craft_failure( player &crafter )
@@ -1034,10 +1025,8 @@ void item::handle_craft_failure( player &crafter )
     const double percent_progress_loss = rng_exponential( 0.25, 0.35 ) *
                                          ( 1.0 - std::min( success_roll, 1.0 ) );
     const int progess_loss = item_counter * percent_progress_loss;
-    crafter.add_msg_player_or_npc(
-        string_format( _( "You mess up and lose %d%% progress." ), progess_loss / 100000 ),
-        string_format( _( "<npcname> messes up and loses %d%% progress." ), progess_loss / 100000 )
-    );
+    crafter.add_msg_player_or_npc( _( "You mess up and lose %d%% progress." ),
+                                   _( "<npcname> messes up and loses %d%% progress." ), progess_loss / 100000 );
     item_counter = clamp( item_counter - progess_loss, 0, 10000000 );
 
     set_next_failure_point( crafter );
@@ -1712,10 +1701,9 @@ bool player::craft_consume_tools( item &craft, int mulitplier, bool start_craft
                 case use_from_player:
                     if( !has_charges( type, count ) ) {
                         add_msg_player_or_npc(
-                            string_format( _( "You have insufficient %s charges and can't continue crafting" ),
-                                           item::nname( type ) ),
-                            string_format( _( "<npcname> has insufficient %s charges and can't continue crafting" ),
-                                           item::nname( type ) ) );
+                            _( "You have insufficient %s charges and can't continue crafting" ),
+                            _( "<npcname> has insufficient %s charges and can't continue crafting" ),
+                            item::nname( type ) );
                         craft.set_tools_to_continue( false );
                         return false;
                     }
@@ -1723,10 +1711,9 @@ bool player::craft_consume_tools( item &craft, int mulitplier, bool start_craft
                 case use_from_map:
                     if( !map_inv.has_charges( type, count ) ) {
                         add_msg_player_or_npc(
-                            string_format( _( "You have insufficient %s charges and can't continue crafting" ),
-                                           item::nname( type ) ),
-                            string_format( _( "<npcname> has insufficient %s charges and can't continue crafting" ),
-                                           item::nname( type ) ) );
+                            _( "You have insufficient %s charges and can't continue crafting" ),
+                            _( "<npcname> has insufficient %s charges and can't continue crafting" ),
+                            item::nname( type ) );
                         craft.set_tools_to_continue( false );
                         return false;
                     }
@@ -1738,10 +1725,9 @@ bool player::craft_consume_tools( item &craft, int mulitplier, bool start_craft
             }
         } else if( !has_amount( type, 1 ) && !map_inv.has_tools( type, 1 ) ) {
             add_msg_player_or_npc(
-                string_format( _( "You no longer have a %s and can't continue crafting" ),
-                               item::nname( type ) ),
-                string_format( _( "<npcname> no longer has a %s and can't continue crafting" ),
-                               item::nname( type ) ) );
+                _( "You no longer have a %s and can't continue crafting" ),
+                _( "<npcname> no longer has a %s and can't continue crafting" ),
+                item::nname( type ) );
             craft.set_tools_to_continue( false );
             return false;
         }
diff --git a/src/debug_menu.cpp b/src/debug_menu.cpp
index f0357a1184150..f9a159ba7a38a 100644
--- a/src/debug_menu.cpp
+++ b/src/debug_menu.cpp
@@ -1529,7 +1529,7 @@ void debug()
 
                 // Take a screenshot of the viewport.
                 if ( g->take_screenshot( current_file_path ) ) {
-                    popup( string_format( _( "Successfully saved your screenshot to: %s" ), map_directory.str() ) );
+                    popup( _( "Successfully saved your screenshot to: %s" ), map_directory.str() );
                 }
                 else {
                     popup( _( "An error occurred while trying to save the screenshot." ) );
diff --git a/src/descriptions.cpp b/src/descriptions.cpp
index 5cfbb62030836..a3ff692cced03 100644
--- a/src/descriptions.cpp
+++ b/src/descriptions.cpp
@@ -98,8 +98,8 @@ c to describe creatures, f to describe furniture, t to describe terrain, Esc/Ent
 
         std::string signage = m.get_signage( p );
         if( !signage.empty() ) {
-            desc += u.has_trait( trait_ILLITERATE ) ? string_format( _( "\nSign: ???" ) ) : string_format(
-                        _( "\nSign: %s" ), signage );
+            desc += u.has_trait( trait_ILLITERATE ) ? _( "\nSign: ???" ) : string_format( _( "\nSign: %s" ),
+                    signage );
         }
 
         werase( w_main );
diff --git a/src/faction_camp.cpp b/src/faction_camp.cpp
index a743ee394daee..8a7ce8fbe5337 100644
--- a/src/faction_camp.cpp
+++ b/src/faction_camp.cpp
@@ -2344,13 +2344,13 @@ void basecamp::recruit_return( const std::string &task, int score )
     int appeal = rng( -5, 3 ) + std::min( skill / 3, 3 );
     int food_desire = rng( 0, 5 );
     while( rec_m >= 0 ) {
-        std::string description = string_format( _( "NPC Overview:\n \n" ) );
+        std::string description = _( "NPC Overview:\n \n" );
         description += string_format( _( "Name:  %20s\n \n" ), recruit->name );
         description += string_format( _( "Strength:        %10d\n" ), recruit->str_max );
         description += string_format( _( "Dexterity:       %10d\n" ), recruit->dex_max );
         description += string_format( _( "Intelligence:    %10d\n" ), recruit->int_max );
         description += string_format( _( "Perception:      %10d\n \n" ), recruit->per_max );
-        description += string_format( _( "Top 3 Skills:\n" ) );
+        description += _( "Top 3 Skills:\n" );
 
         const auto skillslist = Skill::get_skills_sorted_by( [&]( const Skill & a,
         const Skill & b ) {
@@ -2366,7 +2366,7 @@ void basecamp::recruit_return( const std::string &task, int score )
         description += string_format( "%12s:          %4d\n \n", skillslist[2]->name(),
                                       recruit->get_skill_level( skillslist[2]->ident() ) );
 
-        description += string_format( _( "Asking for:\n" ) );
+        description += _( "Asking for:\n" );
         description += string_format( _( "> Food:     %10d days\n \n" ), food_desire );
         description += string_format( _( "Faction Food:%9d days\n \n" ),
                                       camp_food_supply( 0, true ) );
diff --git a/src/game.cpp b/src/game.cpp
index 9c7ade702cf76..1e7cc2536ab3d 100644
--- a/src/game.cpp
+++ b/src/game.cpp
@@ -5451,9 +5451,9 @@ static std::string get_fire_fuel_string( const tripoint &examp )
         field_entry *fire = g->m.get_field( examp, fd_fire );
         if( fire ) {
             std::stringstream ss;
-            ss << string_format( _( "There is a fire here." ) ) << " ";
+            ss << _( "There is a fire here." ) << " ";
             if( fire->get_field_intensity() > 1 ) {
-                ss << string_format( _( "It's too big and unpredictable to evaluate how long it will last." ) );
+                ss << _( "It's too big and unpredictable to evaluate how long it will last." );
                 return ss.str();
             }
             time_duration fire_age = fire->get_field_age();
@@ -5462,7 +5462,7 @@ static std::string get_fire_fuel_string( const tripoint &examp )
             mod = std::max( mod, 0 );
             if( fire_age >= 0_turns ) {
                 if( mod >= 4 ) { // = survival level 0-1
-                    ss << string_format( _( "It's going to go out soon without extra fuel." ) );
+                    ss << _( "It's going to go out soon without extra fuel." );
                     return ss.str();
                 } else {
                     fire_age = 30_minutes - fire_age;
@@ -5483,15 +5483,13 @@ static std::string get_fire_fuel_string( const tripoint &examp )
                 fire_age = fire_age * -1 + 30_minutes;
                 if( mod >= 4 ) { // = survival level 0-1
                     if( fire_age <= 1_hours ) {
-                        ss << string_format(
-                               _( "It's quite decent and looks like it'll burn for a bit without extra fuel." ) );
+                        ss << _( "It's quite decent and looks like it'll burn for a bit without extra fuel." );
                         return ss.str();
                     } else if( fire_age <= 3_hours ) {
-                        ss << string_format( _( "It looks solid, and will burn for a few hours without extra fuel." ) );
+                        ss << _( "It looks solid, and will burn for a few hours without extra fuel." );
                         return ss.str();
                     } else {
-                        ss << string_format(
-                               _( "It's very well supplied and even without extra fuel might burn for at least a part of a day." ) );
+                        ss << _( "It's very well supplied and even without extra fuel might burn for at least a part of a day." );
                         return ss.str();
                     }
                 } else {
@@ -6699,10 +6697,10 @@ look_around_result game::look_around( catacurses::window w_info, tripoint &cente
                 werase( w_info );
                 draw_border( w_info );
 
-                static const char *title_prefix = "< ";
+                static const std::string title_prefix = "< ";
                 static const char *title = _( "Look Around" );
-                static const char *title_suffix = " >";
-                static const std::string full_title = string_format( "%s%s%s", title_prefix, title, title_suffix );
+                static const std::string title_suffix = " >";
+                static const std::string full_title = title_prefix + title + title_suffix;
                 const int start_pos = center_text_pos( full_title, 0, getmaxx( w_info ) - 1 );
                 mvwprintz( w_info, point( start_pos, 0 ), c_white, title_prefix );
                 wprintz( w_info, c_green, title );
diff --git a/src/iexamine.cpp b/src/iexamine.cpp
index 1567b094408ac..197511674f894 100644
--- a/src/iexamine.cpp
+++ b/src/iexamine.cpp
@@ -1272,9 +1272,8 @@ void iexamine::locked_object( player &p, const tripoint &examp )
         return a->get_quality( quality_id( "PRY" ) ) > b->get_quality( quality_id( "PRY" ) );
     } );
 
-    p.add_msg_if_player( string_format( _( "You attempt to pry open the %s using your %s..." ),
-                                        g->m.has_furn( examp ) ? g->m.furnname( examp ) : g->m.tername( examp ),
-                                        prying_items[0]->tname() ) );
+    p.add_msg_if_player( _( "You attempt to pry open the %s using your %s..." ),
+                         g->m.has_furn( examp ) ? g->m.furnname( examp ) : g->m.tername( examp ), prying_items[0]->tname() );
 
     // if crowbar() ever eats charges or otherwise alters the passed item, rewrite this to reflect
     // changes to the original item.
@@ -2619,8 +2618,7 @@ void iexamine::fireplace( player &p, const tripoint &examp )
         selection_menu.addentry( 4, false, 'e', _( "Extinguish fire (bashing item required)" ) );
     }
     if( furn_is_deployed ) {
-        selection_menu.addentry( 3, true, 't', string_format( _( "Take down the %s" ),
-                                 g->m.furnname( examp ) ) );
+        selection_menu.addentry( 3, true, 't', _( "Take down the %s" ), g->m.furnname( examp ) );
     }
     selection_menu.query();
 
@@ -2634,8 +2632,7 @@ void iexamine::fireplace( player &p, const tripoint &examp )
                 item *it = firestarter.second;
                 const auto usef = it->type->get_use( "firestarter" );
                 const auto actor = dynamic_cast<const firestarter_actor *>( usef->get_actor_ptr() );
-                p.add_msg_if_player( string_format( _( "You attempt to start a fire with your %s..." ),
-                                                    it->tname() ) );
+                p.add_msg_if_player( _( "You attempt to start a fire with your %s..." ), it->tname() );
                 const ret_val<bool> can_use = actor->can_use( p, *it, false, examp );
                 if( can_use.success() ) {
                     const int charges = actor->use( p, *it, false, examp );
@@ -2752,9 +2749,9 @@ void iexamine::fvat_empty( player &p, const tripoint &examp )
         uilist selectmenu;
         selectmenu.text = _( "Select an action" );
         selectmenu.addentry( ADD_BREW, ( p.charges_of( brew_type ) > 0 ), MENU_AUTOASSIGN,
-                             string_format( _( "Add more %s to the vat" ), brew_nname ) );
+                             _( "Add more %s to the vat" ), brew_nname );
         selectmenu.addentry( REMOVE_BREW, brew.made_of( LIQUID ), MENU_AUTOASSIGN,
-                             string_format( _( "Remove %s from the vat" ), brew.tname() ) );
+                             _( "Remove %s from the vat" ), brew.tname() );
         selectmenu.addentry( START_FERMENT, true, MENU_AUTOASSIGN, _( "Start fermenting cycle" ) );
         selectmenu.query();
         switch( selectmenu.ret ) {
@@ -4282,9 +4279,9 @@ static player &best_installer( player &p, player &null_player, int difficulty )
             int ally_cos = bionic_manip_cos( ally_skills[ i ].first, true, difficulty );
             if( e->has_effect( effect_sleep ) ) {
                 //~ %1$s is the name of the ally
-                if( !g->u.query_yn( string_format(
-                                        _( "<color_white>%1$s is asleep, but has a <color_green>%2$d<color_white> chance of success compared to your <color_red>%3$d<color_white> chance of success.  Continue with a higher risk of failure?</color>" ),
-                                        ally.disp_name(), ally_cos, player_cos ) ) ) {
+                if( !g->u.query_yn(
+                        _( "<color_white>%1$s is asleep, but has a <color_green>%2$d<color_white> chance of success compared to your <color_red>%3$d<color_white> chance of success.  Continue with a higher risk of failure?</color>" ),
+                        ally.disp_name(), ally_cos, player_cos ) ) {
                     return null_player;
                 } else {
                     continue;
@@ -5568,18 +5565,15 @@ void iexamine::workbench_internal( player &p, const tripoint &examp,
             const recipe &rec = selected_craft->get_making();
             if( p.has_recipe( &rec, p.crafting_inventory(), p.get_crafting_helpers() ) == -1 ) {
                 p.add_msg_player_or_npc(
-                    string_format( _( "You don't know the recipe for the %s and can't continue crafting." ),
-                                   rec.result_name() ),
-                    string_format( _( "<npcname> doesn't know the recipe for the %s and can't continue crafting." ),
-                                   rec.result_name() )
-                );
+                    _( "You don't know the recipe for the %s and can't continue crafting." ),
+                    _( "<npcname> doesn't know the recipe for the %s and can't continue crafting." ),
+                    rec.result_name() );
                 break;
             }
             p.add_msg_player_or_npc(
-                string_format( pgettext( "in progress craft", "You start working on the %s." ),
-                               selected_craft->tname() ),
-                string_format( pgettext( "in progress craft", "<npcname> starts working on the %s." ),
-                               selected_craft->tname() ) );
+                pgettext( "in progress craft", "You start working on the %s." ),
+                pgettext( "in progress craft", "<npcname> starts working on the %s." ),
+                selected_craft->tname() );
             p.assign_activity( activity_id( "ACT_CRAFT" ) );
             p.activity.targets.push_back( crafts[amenu2.ret] );
             p.activity.values.push_back( 0 ); // Not a long craft
diff --git a/src/item.cpp b/src/item.cpp
index 6ea9866d238fe..9b292bacbd2ac 100644
--- a/src/item.cpp
+++ b/src/item.cpp
@@ -2370,8 +2370,7 @@ std::string item::info( std::vector<iteminfo> &info, const iteminfo_query *parts
             int attack_cost = g->u.attack_speed( *this );
             insert_separation_line();
             if( parts->test( iteminfo_parts::DESCRIPTION_MELEEDMG ) ) {
-                info.push_back( iteminfo( "DESCRIPTION",
-                                          string_format( _( "<bold>Average melee damage:</bold>" ) ) ) );
+                info.push_back( iteminfo( "DESCRIPTION", _( "<bold>Average melee damage:</bold>" ) ) );
             }
             if( parts->test( iteminfo_parts::DESCRIPTION_MELEEDMG_CRIT ) ) {
                 info.push_back( iteminfo( "DESCRIPTION",
@@ -2449,15 +2448,12 @@ std::string item::info( std::vector<iteminfo> &info, const iteminfo_query *parts
 
         if( parts->test( iteminfo_parts::DESCRIPTION_CONDUCTIVITY ) ) {
             if( !conductive() ) {
-                info.push_back( iteminfo( "BASE",
-                                          string_format( _( "* This item <good>does not conduct</good> electricity." ) ) ) );
+                info.push_back( iteminfo( "BASE", _( "* This item <good>does not conduct</good> electricity." ) ) );
             } else if( has_flag( "CONDUCTIVE" ) ) {
                 info.push_back( iteminfo( "BASE",
-                                          string_format(
-                                              _( "* This item effectively <bad>conducts</bad> electricity, as it has no guard." ) ) ) );
+                                          _( "* This item effectively <bad>conducts</bad> electricity, as it has no guard." ) ) );
             } else {
-                info.push_back( iteminfo( "BASE",
-                                          string_format( _( "* This item <bad>conducts</bad> electricity." ) ) ) );
+                info.push_back( iteminfo( "BASE", _( "* This item <bad>conducts</bad> electricity." ) ) );
             }
         }
 
@@ -8512,8 +8508,7 @@ std::string item::type_name( unsigned int quantity ) const
         }
     } else if( typeId() == "blood" ) {
         if( corpse == nullptr || corpse->id.is_null() ) {
-            return string_format( npgettext( "item name", "human blood",
-                                             "human blood", quantity ) );
+            return npgettext( "item name", "human blood", "human blood", quantity );
         } else {
             return string_format( npgettext( "item name", "%s blood",
                                              "%s blood",  quantity ),
diff --git a/src/item_factory.cpp b/src/item_factory.cpp
index 37b1fa03393e6..693a80a06e91d 100644
--- a/src/item_factory.cpp
+++ b/src/item_factory.cpp
@@ -933,7 +933,7 @@ void Item_factory::check_definitions() const
             }
 
             if( type->brewable->results.empty() ) {
-                msg << string_format( "empty product list" ) << "\n";
+                msg << "empty product list" << "\n";
             }
 
             for( auto &b : type->brewable->results ) {
@@ -957,7 +957,7 @@ void Item_factory::check_definitions() const
         }
         if( type->book ) {
             if( type->book->skill && !type->book->skill.is_valid() ) {
-                msg << string_format( "uses invalid book skill." ) << "\n";
+                msg << "uses invalid book skill." << "\n";
             }
             if( type->book->martial_art && !type->book->martial_art.is_valid() ) {
                 msg << string_format( "trains invalid martial art '%s'.",
@@ -1017,18 +1017,18 @@ void Item_factory::check_definitions() const
             }
 
             if( !type->gun->skill_used ) {
-                msg << string_format( "uses no skill" ) << "\n";
+                msg << "uses no skill" << "\n";
             } else if( !type->gun->skill_used.is_valid() ) {
                 msg << "uses an invalid skill " << type->gun->skill_used.str() << "\n";
             }
             for( auto &gm : type->gun->default_mods ) {
                 if( !has_template( gm ) ) {
-                    msg << string_format( "invalid default mod." ) << "\n";
+                    msg << "invalid default mod." << "\n";
                 }
             }
             for( auto &gm : type->gun->built_in_mods ) {
                 if( !has_template( gm ) ) {
-                    msg << string_format( "invalid built-in mod." ) << "\n";
+                    msg << "invalid built-in mod." << "\n";
                 }
             }
         }
@@ -1203,9 +1203,8 @@ const itype *Item_factory::find_template( const itype_id &id ) const
         ( making_id.is_valid() && making_id.obj().is_blueprint() ) ) {
         itype *def = new itype();
         def->id = id;
-        def->name = string_format( "DEBUG: %s", id.c_str() );
-        def->name_plural = string_format( "%s", id.c_str() );
-        def->description = string_format( making_id.obj().description );
+        def->name = def->name_plural = string_format( "DEBUG: %s", id.c_str() );
+        def->description = making_id.obj().description;
         m_runtimes[ id ].reset( def );
         return def;
     }
diff --git a/src/iuse.cpp b/src/iuse.cpp
index 89d737b9fbaef..f60824f4d92c1 100644
--- a/src/iuse.cpp
+++ b/src/iuse.cpp
@@ -4245,14 +4245,13 @@ int iuse::hand_crank( player *p, item *it, bool, const tripoint & )
         // expectation is it runs until the player is too tired.
         int moves = to_moves<int>( 1600_minutes );
         if( it->ammo_capacity() > it->ammo_remaining() ) {
-            p->add_msg_if_player( string_format( _( "You start cranking the %s to charge its %s." ),
-                                                 it->tname(), it->magazine_current()->tname() ) ) ;
+            p->add_msg_if_player( _( "You start cranking the %s to charge its %s." ), it->tname(),
+                                  it->magazine_current()->tname() );
             p->assign_activity( activity_id( "ACT_HAND_CRANK" ), moves, -1, p->get_item_position( it ),
                                 "hand-cranking" );
         } else {
-            p->add_msg_if_player( string_format(
-                                      _( "You could use the %s to charge its %s, but it's already charged." ), it->tname(),
-                                      magazine->tname() ) ) ;
+            p->add_msg_if_player( _( "You could use the %s to charge its %s, but it's already charged." ),
+                                  it->tname(), magazine->tname() );
         }
     } else {
         p->add_msg_if_player( m_info, _( "You need a rechargeable battery cell to charge." ) );
@@ -6464,7 +6463,7 @@ static std::string colorized_field_description_at( const tripoint &point )
             }
         }
         if( affix.empty() ) {
-            field_text = string_format( " in %s cloud", colorize( entry->name(), entry->color() ) );
+            field_text = string_format( _( " in %s cloud" ), colorize( entry->name(), entry->color() ) );
         } else {
             field_text = string_format( affix, colorize( entry->name(), entry->color() ) );
         }
@@ -6566,7 +6565,7 @@ static std::string format_object_pair( const std::pair<std::string, int> &pair,
                                        const std::string &article )
 {
     if( pair.second == 1 ) {
-        return string_format( "%s%s", article, pair.first );
+        return article + pair.first;
     } else if( pair.second > 1 ) {
         return string_format( "%s%i %s", article, pair.second, pair.first );
     }
@@ -8082,9 +8081,8 @@ int iuse::autoclave( player *p, item *it, bool t, const tripoint &pos )
         static const int power_need = ( ( it->type->tool->power_draw / 1000 ) * to_seconds<int>
                                         ( 90_minutes ) ) / 1000 + 100;
         if( power_need > it->ammo_remaining() ) {
-            popup( string_format(
-                       _( "The autoclave doesn't have enough battery for one cycle.  You need at least %s charges." ),
-                       power_need ) );
+            popup( _( "The autoclave doesn't have enough battery for one cycle.  You need at least %s charges." ),
+                   power_need );
             return 0;
         }
 
@@ -9152,17 +9150,14 @@ int iuse::craft( player *p, item *it, bool, const tripoint & )
     const recipe &rec = it->get_making();
     if( p->has_recipe( &rec, p->crafting_inventory(), p->get_crafting_helpers() ) == -1 ) {
         p->add_msg_player_or_npc(
-            string_format( _( "You don't know the recipe for the %s and can't continue crafting." ),
-                           rec.result_name() ),
-            string_format( _( "<npcname> doesn't know the recipe for the %s and can't continue crafting." ),
-                           rec.result_name() )
-        );
+            _( "You don't know the recipe for the %s and can't continue crafting." ),
+            _( "<npcname> doesn't know the recipe for the %s and can't continue crafting." ),
+            rec.result_name() );
         return 0;
     }
     p->add_msg_player_or_npc(
-        string_format( pgettext( "in progress craft", "You start working on the %s." ), craft_name ),
-        string_format( pgettext( "in progress craft", "<npcname> starts working on the %s." ),
-                       craft_name ) );
+        pgettext( "in progress craft", "You start working on the %s." ),
+        pgettext( "in progress craft", "<npcname> starts working on the %s." ), craft_name );
     p->assign_activity( activity_id( "ACT_CRAFT" ) );
     p->activity.targets.push_back( item_location( *p, it ) );
     p->activity.values.push_back( 0 ); // Not a long craft
diff --git a/src/iuse_actor.cpp b/src/iuse_actor.cpp
index 79f2378e400d0..91b56b6fc9dc0 100644
--- a/src/iuse_actor.cpp
+++ b/src/iuse_actor.cpp
@@ -271,9 +271,8 @@ ret_val<bool> iuse_transform::can_use( const player &p, const item &, bool,
     [&]( const std::pair<quality_id, int> &unmet_req ) {
         return string_format( "%s %d", unmet_req.first.obj().name, unmet_req.second );
     } );
-    return ret_val<bool>::make_failure( string_format( ngettext( "You need a tool with %s.",
-                                        "You need tools with %s.", unmet_reqs.size() ),
-                                        unmet_reqs_string ) );
+    return ret_val<bool>::make_failure( ngettext( "You need a tool with %s.", "You need tools with %s.",
+                                        unmet_reqs.size() ), unmet_reqs_string );
 }
 
 std::string iuse_transform::get_name() const
@@ -2687,12 +2686,11 @@ int bandolier_actor::use( player &p, item &it, bool, const tripoint & ) const
     std::vector<std::function<void()>> actions;
 
     menu.addentry( -1, it.contents.empty() || it.contents.front().charges < capacity,
-                   'r', string_format( _( "Store ammo in %s" ), it.type_name() ) );
+                   'r', _( "Store ammo in %s" ), it.type_name() );
 
     actions.emplace_back( [&] { reload( p, it ); } );
 
-    menu.addentry( -1, !it.contents.empty(), 'u', string_format( _( "Unload %s" ),
-                   it.type_name() ) );
+    menu.addentry( -1, !it.contents.empty(), 'u', _( "Unload %s" ), it.type_name() );
 
     actions.emplace_back( [&] {
         if( p.i_add_or_drop( it.contents.front() ) )
@@ -4323,7 +4321,7 @@ int weigh_self_actor::use( player &p, item &, bool, const tripoint & ) const
     if( weight > convert_weight( max_weight ) ) {
         popup( _( "ERROR: Max weight of %.0f %s exceeded" ), convert_weight( max_weight ), weight_units() );
     } else {
-        popup( string_format( "%.0f %s", weight, weight_units() ) );
+        popup( "%.0f %s", weight, weight_units() );
     }
     return 0;
 }
@@ -4474,8 +4472,7 @@ int sew_advanced_actor::use( player &p, item &it, bool, const tripoint & ) const
                                          format_volume( before ), volume_units_abbr(), format_volume( after ),
                                          volume_units_abbr() ), get_volume_compare_color( before, after, true ) );
 
-        tmenu.addentry_desc( index++, enab, MENU_AUTOASSIGN, string_format( "%s", _( prompt.c_str() ) ),
-                             desc.str() );
+        tmenu.addentry_desc( index++, enab, MENU_AUTOASSIGN, _( prompt.c_str() ), desc.str() );
     }
     tmenu.textwidth = 80;
     tmenu.desc_enabled = true;
diff --git a/src/magic.cpp b/src/magic.cpp
index 3fa1638f11bcd..a004289df1cd7 100644
--- a/src/magic.cpp
+++ b/src/magic.cpp
@@ -909,13 +909,14 @@ std::string spell::enumerate_targets() const
         return all_valid_targets[0];
     }
     std::string ret;
+    // @todo if only we had a function to enumerate strings and concatenate them...
     for( auto iter = all_valid_targets.begin(); iter != all_valid_targets.end(); iter++ ) {
         if( iter + 1 == all_valid_targets.end() ) {
-            ret = string_format( "%s and %s", ret, *iter );
+            ret = string_format( _( "%s and %s" ), ret, *iter );
         } else if( iter == all_valid_targets.begin() ) {
-            ret = string_format( "%s", *iter );
+            ret = *iter;
         } else {
-            ret = string_format( "%s, %s", ret, *iter );
+            ret = string_format( _( "%s, %s" ), ret, *iter );
         }
     }
     return ret;
@@ -1070,14 +1071,14 @@ void known_magic::learn_spell( const spell_type *sp, player &p, bool force )
             for( const trait_id &cancel : sp->spell_class->cancels ) {
                 if( cancel == sp->spell_class->cancels.back() &&
                     sp->spell_class->cancels.back() != sp->spell_class->cancels.front() ) {
-                    trait_cancel = string_format( "%s and %s", trait_cancel, cancel->name() );
+                    trait_cancel = string_format( _( "%s and %s" ), trait_cancel, cancel->name() );
                 } else if( cancel == sp->spell_class->cancels.front() ) {
                     trait_cancel = cancel->name();
                     if( sp->spell_class->cancels.size() == 1 ) {
                         trait_cancel = string_format( "%s: %s", trait_cancel, cancel->desc() );
                     }
                 } else {
-                    trait_cancel = string_format( "%s, %s", trait_cancel, cancel->name() );
+                    trait_cancel = string_format( _( "%s, %s" ), trait_cancel, cancel->name() );
                 }
                 if( cancel == sp->spell_class->cancels.back() ) {
                     trait_cancel += ".";
@@ -1268,15 +1269,10 @@ class spellcasting_callback : public uilist_callback
 
 static std::string moves_to_string( const int moves )
 {
-    const int turns = moves / 100;
-    if( moves < 200 ) {
-        return _( string_format( "%d %s", moves, "moves" ) );
-    } else if( moves < to_moves<int>( 2_minutes ) ) {
-        return _( string_format( "%d %s", turns, "turns" ) );
-    } else if( moves < to_moves<int>( 2_hours ) ) {
-        return _( string_format( "%d %s", to_minutes<int>( turns * 1_turns ), "minutes" ) );
+    if( moves < to_moves<int>( 2_seconds ) ) {
+        return string_format( _( "%d moves" ), moves );
     } else {
-        return _( string_format( "%d %s", to_hours<int>( turns * 1_turns ), "hours" ) );
+        return to_string( time_duration::from_turns( moves / 100 ) );
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/src/martialarts.cpp b/src/martialarts.cpp
index 746d7c1d8a23d..9428556d8457a 100644
--- a/src/martialarts.cpp
+++ b/src/martialarts.cpp
@@ -450,7 +450,7 @@ std::string ma_requirements::get_description( bool buff ) const
     }
 
     if( !req_buffs.empty() ) {
-        dump << string_format( _( "<bold>Requires:</bold> " ) );
+        dump << _( "<bold>Requires:</bold> " );
 
         dump << enumerate_as_string( req_buffs.begin(), req_buffs.end(), []( const mabuff_id & bid ) {
             return _( bid->name );
diff --git a/src/monster.cpp b/src/monster.cpp
index e603b21f7a191..425af6efe9a1d 100644
--- a/src/monster.cpp
+++ b/src/monster.cpp
@@ -504,20 +504,20 @@ std::string monster::name_with_armor() const
 {
     std::string ret;
     if( type->in_species( INSECT ) ) {
-        ret = string_format( _( "carapace" ) );
+        ret = _( "carapace" );
     } else if( made_of( material_id( "veggy" ) ) ) {
-        ret = string_format( _( "thick bark" ) );
+        ret = _( "thick bark" );
     } else if( made_of( material_id( "bone" ) ) ) {
-        ret = string_format( _( "exoskeleton" ) );
+        ret = _( "exoskeleton" );
     } else if( made_of( material_id( "flesh" ) ) || made_of( material_id( "hflesh" ) ) ||
                made_of( material_id( "iflesh" ) ) ) {
-        ret = string_format( _( "thick hide" ) );
+        ret = _( "thick hide" );
     } else if( made_of( material_id( "iron" ) ) || made_of( material_id( "steel" ) ) ) {
-        ret = string_format( _( "armor plating" ) );
+        ret = _( "armor plating" );
     } else if( made_of( LIQUID ) ) {
-        ret = string_format( _( "dense jelly mass" ) );
+        ret = _( "dense jelly mass" );
     } else {
-        ret = string_format( _( "armor" ) );
+        ret = _( "armor" );
     }
     if( has_effect( effect_monster_armor ) && !inv.empty() ) {
         for( const item &armor : inv ) {
diff --git a/src/newcharacter.cpp b/src/newcharacter.cpp
index 82c81a8cbfcf6..8ac5b916af303 100644
--- a/src/newcharacter.cpp
+++ b/src/newcharacter.cpp
@@ -474,9 +474,9 @@ bool avatar::create( character_type type, const std::string &tempname )
 
     auto nameExists = [&]( const std::string & name ) {
         return world_generator->active_world->save_exists( save_t::from_player_name( name ) ) &&
-               !query_yn( string_format( _( "A character with the name '%s' already exists in this world.\n"
-                                            "Saving will override the already existing character.\n\n"
-                                            "Continue anyways?" ), name ) );
+               !query_yn( _( "A character with the name '%s' already exists in this world.\n"
+                             "Saving will override the already existing character.\n\n"
+                             "Continue anyways?" ), name );
     };
 
     const bool allow_reroll = type == PLTYPE_RANDOM;
diff --git a/src/npcmove.cpp b/src/npcmove.cpp
index 67015c56a4158..c67dd6ead244a 100644
--- a/src/npcmove.cpp
+++ b/src/npcmove.cpp
@@ -1037,8 +1037,7 @@ void npc::execute_action( npc_action action )
             if( path.size() == 1 ) { // We're adjacent to u, and thus can heal u
                 heal_player( *patient );
             } else if( !path.empty() ) {
-                say( string_format( _( "Hold still %s, I'm coming to help you." ),
-                                    patient->disp_name() ) );
+                say( _( "Hold still %s, I'm coming to help you." ), patient->disp_name() );
                 move_to_next();
             } else {
                 move_pause();
@@ -3023,7 +3022,7 @@ bool npc::do_player_activity()
     }
     /* if the activity is finished, grab any backlog or change the mission */
     if( !has_destination() && !activity ) {
-        add_msg( m_info, string_format( "%s completed the assigned task.", disp_name() ) );
+        add_msg( m_info, _( "%s completed the assigned task." ), disp_name() );
         if( !backlog.empty() ) {
             activity = backlog.front();
             backlog.pop_front();
diff --git a/src/npctalk.cpp b/src/npctalk.cpp
index 8fad4c6fc2a63..6c93075b3a788 100644
--- a/src/npctalk.cpp
+++ b/src/npctalk.cpp
@@ -390,9 +390,9 @@ void game::chat()
             message = _( "loudly." );
             break;
         case NPC_CHAT_SENTENCE: {
-            std::string popupdesc = string_format( _( "Enter a sentence to yell" ) );
+            std::string popupdesc = _( "Enter a sentence to yell" );
             string_input_popup popup;
-            popup.title( string_format( _( "Yell a sentence" ) ) )
+            popup.title( _( "Yell a sentence" ) )
             .width( 64 )
             .description( popupdesc )
             .identifier( "sentence" )
@@ -3039,22 +3039,22 @@ std::string give_item_to( npc &p, bool allow_use, bool allow_carry )
         reason += "\n" + string_format( _( "(new weapon value: %.1f vs %.1f)." ), new_weapon_value,
                                         cur_weapon_value );
         if( !given.is_gun() && given.is_armor() ) {
-            reason += "\n" + string_format( _( "It's too encumbering to wear." ) );
+            reason += std::string( "\n" ) + _( "It's too encumbering to wear." );
         }
     }
     if( allow_carry ) {
         if( !p.can_pickVolume( given ) ) {
             const units::volume free_space = p.volume_capacity() - p.volume_carried();
-            reason += "\n" + string_format( _( "I have no space to store it." ) ) + "\n";
+            reason += "\n" + std::string( _( "I have no space to store it." ) ) + "\n";
             if( free_space > 0_ml ) {
                 reason += string_format( _( "I can only store %s %s more." ),
                                          format_volume( free_space ), volume_units_long() );
             } else {
-                reason += string_format( _( "...or to store anything else for that matter." ) );
+                reason += _( "...or to store anything else for that matter." );
             }
         }
         if( !p.can_pickWeight( given ) ) {
-            reason += "\n" + string_format( _( "It is too heavy for me to carry." ) );
+            reason += std::string( "\n" ) + _( "It is too heavy for me to carry." );
         }
     }
 
diff --git a/src/npctalk_funcs.cpp b/src/npctalk_funcs.cpp
index 9355a087cb54c..0ffdc6bbd5971 100644
--- a/src/npctalk_funcs.cpp
+++ b/src/npctalk_funcs.cpp
@@ -223,7 +223,7 @@ void talk_function::goto_location( npc &p )
 {
     int i = 0;
     uilist selection_menu;
-    selection_menu.text = string_format( _( "Select a destination" ) );
+    selection_menu.text = _( "Select a destination" );
     std::vector<basecamp *> camps;
     tripoint destination;
     for( auto elem : g->u.camps ) {
diff --git a/src/pickup.cpp b/src/pickup.cpp
index 882bb9e947d83..f8a575903bcba 100644
--- a/src/pickup.cpp
+++ b/src/pickup.cpp
@@ -800,7 +800,7 @@ void Pickup::pick_up( const tripoint &p, int min, from_where get_items_from )
                     if( this_item.has_owner() ) {
                         const faction *item_fac = this_item.get_owner();
                         if( item_fac != g->faction_manager_ptr->get( faction_id( "your_followers" ) ) ) {
-                            stolen = string_format( "<color_light_red>!</color>" );
+                            stolen = "<color_light_red>!</color>";
                             stealing = true;
                         }
                     }
diff --git a/src/sounds.cpp b/src/sounds.cpp
index 802827926d03e..42fd1a2e5b7a6 100644
--- a/src/sounds.cpp
+++ b/src/sounds.cpp
@@ -679,7 +679,7 @@ void sfx::do_vehicle_engine_sfx()
         add_msg( m_debug, "STOP speed %d =/= %d", current_speed, previous_speed );
         play_ambient_variant_sound( id_and_variant.first, id_and_variant.second,
                                     sfx::get_heard_volume( g->u.pos() ), ch, 1000, pitch );
-        add_msg( m_debug, string_format( "PITCH %f", pitch ) );
+        add_msg( m_debug, "PITCH %f", pitch );
     }
     previous_speed = current_speed;
     previous_gear = current_gear;
diff --git a/src/veh_interact.cpp b/src/veh_interact.cpp
index a7af3758a3128..3334463099d8a 100644
--- a/src/veh_interact.cpp
+++ b/src/veh_interact.cpp
@@ -2810,7 +2810,7 @@ void act_vehicle_siphon( vehicle *veh )
         return;
     }
 
-    std::string title = string_format( _( "Select tank to siphon:" ) );
+    std::string title = _( "Select tank to siphon:" );
     auto sel = []( const vehicle_part & pt ) {
         return pt.is_tank() && pt.get_base().contents_made_of( LIQUID );
     };