diff --git a/chvt.c b/chvt.c
index c5c86b613..ab0e9218f 100644
--- a/chvt.c
+++ b/chvt.c
@@ -15,18 +15,19 @@
 #define VT_ACTIVATE     0x5606  /* make vt active */
 #define VT_WAITACTIVE   0x5607  /* wait for vt active */
 
+const char chvt_usage[] =
+	"chvt N\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nChanges the foreground virtual terminal to /dev/ttyN\n"
+#endif
+	;
 
 int chvt_main(int argc, char **argv)
 {
 	int fd, num;
 
-	if ((argc != 2) || (**(argv + 1) == '-')) {
-		usage ("chvt N\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-				"\nChanges the foreground virtual terminal to /dev/ttyN\n"
-#endif
-				);
-	}
+	if ((argc != 2) || (**(argv + 1) == '-'))
+		usage (chvt_usage);
 	fd = get_console_fd("/dev/console");
 	num = atoi(argv[1]);
 	if (ioctl(fd, VT_ACTIVATE, num)) {
diff --git a/console-tools/chvt.c b/console-tools/chvt.c
index c5c86b613..ab0e9218f 100644
--- a/console-tools/chvt.c
+++ b/console-tools/chvt.c
@@ -15,18 +15,19 @@
 #define VT_ACTIVATE     0x5606  /* make vt active */
 #define VT_WAITACTIVE   0x5607  /* wait for vt active */
 
+const char chvt_usage[] =
+	"chvt N\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nChanges the foreground virtual terminal to /dev/ttyN\n"
+#endif
+	;
 
 int chvt_main(int argc, char **argv)
 {
 	int fd, num;
 
-	if ((argc != 2) || (**(argv + 1) == '-')) {
-		usage ("chvt N\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-				"\nChanges the foreground virtual terminal to /dev/ttyN\n"
-#endif
-				);
-	}
+	if ((argc != 2) || (**(argv + 1) == '-'))
+		usage (chvt_usage);
 	fd = get_console_fd("/dev/console");
 	num = atoi(argv[1]);
 	if (ioctl(fd, VT_ACTIVATE, num)) {
diff --git a/console-tools/deallocvt.c b/console-tools/deallocvt.c
index 906f3a9fa..042de8649 100644
--- a/console-tools/deallocvt.c
+++ b/console-tools/deallocvt.c
@@ -13,19 +13,19 @@
 /* From <linux/vt.h> */
 #define VT_DISALLOCATE  0x5608  /* free memory associated to vt */
 
+const char deallocvt_usage[] =
+	"deallocvt N\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	 "\nDeallocate unused virtual terminal /dev/ttyN\n"
+#endif
+	 ;
 
 int deallocvt_main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
 	int fd, num, i;
 
-	if ((argc != 2) || (**(argv + 1) == '-')) {
-		usage
-			("deallocvt N\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-			 "\nDeallocate unused virtual terminal /dev/ttyN\n"
-#endif
-			 );
-	}
+	if ((argc != 2) || (**(argv + 1) == '-'))
+		usage(deallocvt_usage);
 
 	fd = get_console_fd("/dev/console");
 
diff --git a/coreutils/cut.c b/coreutils/cut.c
index 783d526a5..08b4586a4 100644
--- a/coreutils/cut.c
+++ b/coreutils/cut.c
@@ -206,6 +206,19 @@ void cut()
 	}
 }
 
+const char cut_usage[] =
+	"cut [OPTION]... [FILE]...\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nPrints selected fields from each input FILE to standard output.\n\n"
+	"Options:\n"
+	"\t-b LIST\tOutput only bytes from LIST\n"
+	"\t-c LIST\tOutput only characters from LIST\n"
+	"\t-d CHAR\tUse CHAR instead of tab as the field delimiter\n"
+	"\t-s\tOnly output Lines if the include DELIM\n"
+	"\t-f N\tPrint only these fields\n"
+	"\t-n\tIgnored\n"
+#endif
+	;
 
 int cut_main(int argc, char **argv)
 {
@@ -213,18 +226,7 @@ int cut_main(int argc, char **argv)
 	int numberFilenames = 0;
 
 	if (argc == 1 || strcmp(argv[1], dash_dash_help)==0)
-		usage( "cut [OPTION]... [FILE]...\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-				"\nPrints selected fields from each input FILE to standard output.\n\n"
-				"Options:\n"
-				"\t-b LIST\tOutput only bytes from LIST\n"
-				"\t-c LIST\tOutput only characters from LIST\n"
-				"\t-d CHAR\tUse CHAR instead of tab as the field delimiter\n"
-				"\t-s\tOnly output Lines if the include DELIM\n"
-				"\t-f N\tPrint only these fields\n"
-				"\t-n\tIgnored\n"
-#endif
-				);
+		usage(cut_usage);
 
 	while (i < argc) {
 		if (argv[i][0] == '-') {
diff --git a/coreutils/dirname.c b/coreutils/dirname.c
index 847842eab..0b60ceb88 100644
--- a/coreutils/dirname.c
+++ b/coreutils/dirname.c
@@ -23,17 +23,19 @@
 #include "internal.h"
 #include <stdio.h>
 
+const char dirname_usage[] =
+	"dirname [FILENAME ...]\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nStrips non-directory suffix from FILENAME\n"
+#endif
+	;
+
 extern int dirname_main(int argc, char **argv)
 {
 	char* s;
 
-	if ((argc < 2) || (**(argv + 1) == '-')) {
-		usage("dirname [FILENAME ...]\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-				"\nStrips non-directory suffix from FILENAME\n"
-#endif
-				);
-	}
+	if ((argc < 2) || (**(argv + 1) == '-'))
+		usage(dirname_usage);
 	argv++;
 
 	s=*argv+strlen(*argv)-1;
diff --git a/coreutils/length.c b/coreutils/length.c
index c7df21611..82f50c159 100644
--- a/coreutils/length.c
+++ b/coreutils/length.c
@@ -4,15 +4,17 @@
 #include <string.h>
 #include <stdio.h>
 
+const char length_usage[] =
+	"length STRING\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nPrints out the length of the specified STRING.\n"
+#endif
+	;
+
 extern int length_main(int argc, char **argv)
 {
-	if (argc != 2 || **(argv + 1) == '-') {
-		usage("length STRING\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-				"\nPrints out the length of the specified STRING.\n"
-#endif
-				);
-	}
+	if (argc != 2 || **(argv + 1) == '-')
+		usage(length_usage);
 	printf("%lu\n", (long)strlen(argv[1]));
 	return (TRUE);
 }
diff --git a/coreutils/rmdir.c b/coreutils/rmdir.c
index 4edb9b6b3..3c3533fae 100644
--- a/coreutils/rmdir.c
+++ b/coreutils/rmdir.c
@@ -26,17 +26,17 @@
 #include <stdio.h>
 #include <errno.h>
 
+const char rmdir_usage[] =
+	"rmdir [OPTION]... DIRECTORY...\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nRemove the DIRECTORY(ies), if they are empty.\n"
+#endif
+	;
 
 extern int rmdir_main(int argc, char **argv)
 {
-	if (argc == 1 || **(argv + 1) == '-') {
-		usage
-			("rmdir [OPTION]... DIRECTORY...\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-			 "\nRemove the DIRECTORY(ies), if they are empty.\n"
-#endif
-			 );
-	}
+	if (argc == 1 || **(argv + 1) == '-')
+		usage(rmdir_usage);
 
 	while (--argc > 0) {
 		if (rmdir(*(++argv)) == -1) {
diff --git a/coreutils/sync.c b/coreutils/sync.c
index db35d72fa..f7c14b04c 100644
--- a/coreutils/sync.c
+++ b/coreutils/sync.c
@@ -24,14 +24,16 @@
 #include "internal.h"
 #include <stdio.h>
 
+const char sync_usage[] =
+	"sync\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nWrite all buffered filesystem blocks to disk.\n"
+#endif
+	;
+
 extern int sync_main(int argc, char **argv)
 {
-	if (argc > 1 && **(argv + 1) == '-') {
-		usage("sync\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-				"\nWrite all buffered filesystem blocks to disk.\n"
-#endif
-				);
-	}
+	if (argc > 1 && **(argv + 1) == '-')
+		usage(sync_usage);
 	return(sync());
 }
diff --git a/coreutils/test.c b/coreutils/test.c
index 175cb5d05..bf1622cde 100644
--- a/coreutils/test.c
+++ b/coreutils/test.c
@@ -178,6 +178,15 @@ static int test_eaccess();
 static int is_a_group_member();
 static void initialize_group_array();
 
+const char test_usage[] =
+	"test EXPRESSION\n"
+	"or   [ EXPRESSION ]\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nChecks file types and compares values returning an exit\n"
+	"code determined by the value of EXPRESSION.\n"
+#endif
+	;
+
 extern int
 test_main(int argc, char** argv)
 {
@@ -188,15 +197,8 @@ test_main(int argc, char** argv)
 			fatalError("missing ]\n");
 		argv[argc] = NULL;
 	}
-	if (strcmp(argv[1], dash_dash_help) == 0) {
-		usage("test EXPRESSION\n"
-			  "or   [ EXPRESSION ]\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-				"\nChecks file types and compares values returning an exit\n"
-				"code determined by the value of EXPRESSION.\n"
-#endif
-				);
-	}
+	if (strcmp(argv[1], dash_dash_help) == 0)
+		usage(test_usage);
 
 	/* Implement special cases from POSIX.2, section 4.62.4 */
 	switch (argc) {
diff --git a/coreutils/yes.c b/coreutils/yes.c
index 1718af4bb..0191bb003 100644
--- a/coreutils/yes.c
+++ b/coreutils/yes.c
@@ -23,17 +23,19 @@
 #include "internal.h"
 #include <stdio.h>
 
+const char yes_usage[] =
+	"yes [OPTION]... [STRING]...\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nRepeatedly outputs a line with all specified STRING(s), or `y'.\n"
+#endif
+	;
+
 extern int yes_main(int argc, char **argv)
 {
 	int i;
 
-	if (argc >= 2 && *argv[1] == '-') {
-		usage("yes [OPTION]... [STRING]...\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-				"\nRepeatedly outputs a line with all specified STRING(s), or `y'.\n"
-#endif
-				);
-	}
+	if (argc >= 2 && *argv[1] == '-')
+		usage(yes_usage);
 
 	if (argc == 1) {
 		while (1)
diff --git a/cp_mv.c b/cp_mv.c
index a0d677c45..72ba537c5 100644
--- a/cp_mv.c
+++ b/cp_mv.c
@@ -46,25 +46,33 @@
 #define is_cp 0
 #define is_mv 1
 static int         dz_i;		/* index into cp_mv_usage */
+
+const char cp_usage[] =
+	"cp [OPTION]... SOURCE DEST\n"
+	"   or: cp [OPTION]... SOURCE... DIRECTORY\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nCopies SOURCE to DEST, or multiple SOURCE(s) to DIRECTORY.\n"
+	"\n"
+	"\t-a\tSame as -dpR\n"
+	"\t-d\tPreserves links\n"
+	"\t-p\tPreserves file attributes if possible\n"
+	"\t-f\tforce (implied; ignored) - always set\n"
+	"\t-R\tCopies directories recursively\n"
+#endif
+	;
+
+const char mv_usage[] =
+	"mv SOURCE DEST\n"
+	"   or: mv SOURCE... DIRECTORY\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nRename SOURCE to DEST, or move SOURCE(s) to DIRECTORY.\n"
+#endif
+	;
+
 static const char *cp_mv_usage[] =	/* .rodata */
 {
-	"cp [OPTION]... SOURCE DEST\n"
-		"   or: cp [OPTION]... SOURCE... DIRECTORY\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-		"\nCopies SOURCE to DEST, or multiple SOURCE(s) to DIRECTORY.\n"
-		"\n"
-		"\t-a\tSame as -dpR\n"
-		"\t-d\tPreserves links\n"
-		"\t-p\tPreserves file attributes if possible\n"
-		"\t-f\tforce (implied; ignored) - always set\n"
-		"\t-R\tCopies directories recursively\n"
-#endif
-		,
-	"mv SOURCE DEST\n"
-		"   or: mv SOURCE... DIRECTORY\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-		"\nRename SOURCE to DEST, or move SOURCE(s) to DIRECTORY.\n"
-#endif
+	cp_usage,
+	mv_usage
 };
 
 static int recursiveFlag;
diff --git a/cut.c b/cut.c
index 783d526a5..08b4586a4 100644
--- a/cut.c
+++ b/cut.c
@@ -206,6 +206,19 @@ void cut()
 	}
 }
 
+const char cut_usage[] =
+	"cut [OPTION]... [FILE]...\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nPrints selected fields from each input FILE to standard output.\n\n"
+	"Options:\n"
+	"\t-b LIST\tOutput only bytes from LIST\n"
+	"\t-c LIST\tOutput only characters from LIST\n"
+	"\t-d CHAR\tUse CHAR instead of tab as the field delimiter\n"
+	"\t-s\tOnly output Lines if the include DELIM\n"
+	"\t-f N\tPrint only these fields\n"
+	"\t-n\tIgnored\n"
+#endif
+	;
 
 int cut_main(int argc, char **argv)
 {
@@ -213,18 +226,7 @@ int cut_main(int argc, char **argv)
 	int numberFilenames = 0;
 
 	if (argc == 1 || strcmp(argv[1], dash_dash_help)==0)
-		usage( "cut [OPTION]... [FILE]...\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-				"\nPrints selected fields from each input FILE to standard output.\n\n"
-				"Options:\n"
-				"\t-b LIST\tOutput only bytes from LIST\n"
-				"\t-c LIST\tOutput only characters from LIST\n"
-				"\t-d CHAR\tUse CHAR instead of tab as the field delimiter\n"
-				"\t-s\tOnly output Lines if the include DELIM\n"
-				"\t-f N\tPrint only these fields\n"
-				"\t-n\tIgnored\n"
-#endif
-				);
+		usage(cut_usage);
 
 	while (i < argc) {
 		if (argv[i][0] == '-') {
diff --git a/deallocvt.c b/deallocvt.c
index 906f3a9fa..042de8649 100644
--- a/deallocvt.c
+++ b/deallocvt.c
@@ -13,19 +13,19 @@
 /* From <linux/vt.h> */
 #define VT_DISALLOCATE  0x5608  /* free memory associated to vt */
 
+const char deallocvt_usage[] =
+	"deallocvt N\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	 "\nDeallocate unused virtual terminal /dev/ttyN\n"
+#endif
+	 ;
 
 int deallocvt_main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
 	int fd, num, i;
 
-	if ((argc != 2) || (**(argv + 1) == '-')) {
-		usage
-			("deallocvt N\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-			 "\nDeallocate unused virtual terminal /dev/ttyN\n"
-#endif
-			 );
-	}
+	if ((argc != 2) || (**(argv + 1) == '-'))
+		usage(deallocvt_usage);
 
 	fd = get_console_fd("/dev/console");
 
diff --git a/dirname.c b/dirname.c
index 847842eab..0b60ceb88 100644
--- a/dirname.c
+++ b/dirname.c
@@ -23,17 +23,19 @@
 #include "internal.h"
 #include <stdio.h>
 
+const char dirname_usage[] =
+	"dirname [FILENAME ...]\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nStrips non-directory suffix from FILENAME\n"
+#endif
+	;
+
 extern int dirname_main(int argc, char **argv)
 {
 	char* s;
 
-	if ((argc < 2) || (**(argv + 1) == '-')) {
-		usage("dirname [FILENAME ...]\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-				"\nStrips non-directory suffix from FILENAME\n"
-#endif
-				);
-	}
+	if ((argc < 2) || (**(argv + 1) == '-'))
+		usage(dirname_usage);
 	argv++;
 
 	s=*argv+strlen(*argv)-1;
diff --git a/findutils/which.c b/findutils/which.c
index 8d4422a78..186bfdad7 100644
--- a/findutils/which.c
+++ b/findutils/which.c
@@ -26,6 +26,12 @@
 #include <sys/stat.h>
 #include <sys/param.h>
 
+const char which_usage[] =
+	"which [COMMAND ...]\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nLocates a COMMAND.\n"
+#endif
+	;
 
 extern int which_main(int argc, char **argv)
 {
@@ -34,13 +40,8 @@ extern int which_main(int argc, char **argv)
 	struct stat filestat;
 	int count = 0;
 
-	if (argc <= 1 || **(argv + 1) == '-') {
-		usage("which [COMMAND ...]\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-				"\nLocates a COMMAND.\n"
-#endif
-			 );
-	}
+	if (argc <= 1 || **(argv + 1) == '-')
+		usage(which_usage);
 	argc--;
 
 	path_list = getenv("PATH");
diff --git a/free.c b/free.c
index 997430b39..7c9d7f10a 100644
--- a/free.c
+++ b/free.c
@@ -25,6 +25,12 @@
 #include <stdio.h>
 #include <errno.h>
 
+const char free_usage[] =
+	"free\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nDisplays the amount of free and used system memory\n"
+#endif
+	;
 
 extern int free_main(int argc, char **argv)
 {
@@ -53,14 +59,8 @@ extern int free_main(int argc, char **argv)
 		info.sharedram*=info.mem_unit;
 		info.bufferram*=info.mem_unit;
 	}
-	if (argc > 1 && **(argv + 1) == '-') {
-		usage("free\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-				"\nDisplays the amount of free and used system memory\n"
-#endif
-				);
-	}
-
+	if (argc > 1 && **(argv + 1) == '-')
+		usage(free_usage);
 
 	printf("%6s%13s%13s%13s%13s%13s\n", "", "total", "used", "free", 
 			"shared", "buffers");
diff --git a/fsck_minix.c b/fsck_minix.c
index 74281a71e..ea27c236c 100644
--- a/fsck_minix.c
+++ b/fsck_minix.c
@@ -288,25 +288,24 @@ static void leave(int status)
 	exit(status);
 }
 
+const char fsck_minix_usage[] =
+	"Usage: fsck.minix [-larvsmf] /dev/name\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nPerforms a consistency check for MINIX filesystems.\n\n"
+	"Options:\n"
+	"\t-l\tLists all filenames\n"
+	"\t-r\tPerform interactive repairs\n"
+	"\t-a\tPerform automatic repairs\n"
+	"\t-v\tverbose\n"
+	"\t-s\tOutputs super-block information\n"
+	"\t-m\tActivates MINIX-like \"mode not cleared\" warnings\n"
+	"\t-f\tForce file system check.\n\n"
+#endif
+	;
+
 static void show_usage(void)
 {
-	fprintf(stderr, "BusyBox v%s (%s) multi-call binary -- GPL2\n\n",
-			BB_VER, BB_BT);
-	fprintf(stderr, "Usage: %s [-larvsmf] /dev/name\n", applet_name);
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-	fprintf(stderr,
-			"\nPerforms a consistency check for MINIX filesystems.\n\n");
-	fprintf(stderr, "Options:\n");
-	fprintf(stderr, "\t-l\tLists all filenames\n");
-	fprintf(stderr, "\t-r\tPerform interactive repairs\n");
-	fprintf(stderr, "\t-a\tPerform automatic repairs\n");
-	fprintf(stderr, "\t-v\tverbose\n");
-	fprintf(stderr, "\t-s\tOutputs super-block information\n");
-	fprintf(stderr,
-			"\t-m\tActivates MINIX-like \"mode not cleared\" warnings\n");
-	fprintf(stderr, "\t-f\tForce file system check.\n\n");
-#endif
-	leave(16);
+	usage(fsck_minix_usage);
 }
 
 static void die(const char *str)
diff --git a/length.c b/length.c
index c7df21611..82f50c159 100644
--- a/length.c
+++ b/length.c
@@ -4,15 +4,17 @@
 #include <string.h>
 #include <stdio.h>
 
+const char length_usage[] =
+	"length STRING\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nPrints out the length of the specified STRING.\n"
+#endif
+	;
+
 extern int length_main(int argc, char **argv)
 {
-	if (argc != 2 || **(argv + 1) == '-') {
-		usage("length STRING\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-				"\nPrints out the length of the specified STRING.\n"
-#endif
-				);
-	}
+	if (argc != 2 || **(argv + 1) == '-')
+		usage(length_usage);
 	printf("%lu\n", (long)strlen(argv[1]));
 	return (TRUE);
 }
diff --git a/miscutils/mktemp.c b/miscutils/mktemp.c
index 87792cb18..247d16d24 100644
--- a/miscutils/mktemp.c
+++ b/miscutils/mktemp.c
@@ -26,18 +26,20 @@
 #include <stdio.h>
 #include <errno.h>
 
+const char mktemp_usage[] =
+	"mktemp [-q] TEMPLATE\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nCreates a temporary file with its name based on TEMPLATE.\n"
+	"TEMPLATE is any name with six `Xs' (i.e. /tmp/temp.XXXXXX).\n"
+#endif
+	;
 
 extern int mktemp_main(int argc, char **argv)
 {
 	if (argc != 2 && (argc != 3 || strcmp(argv[1], "-q")))
-		usage	("mktemp [-q] TEMPLATE\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-				"\nCreates a temporary file with its name based on TEMPLATE.\n"
-				"TEMPLATE is any name with six `Xs' (i.e. /tmp/temp.XXXXXX).\n"
-#endif
-				);
+		usage(mktemp_usage);
 	if(mkstemp(argv[argc-1]) < 0)
-			exit(FALSE);
+		exit(FALSE);
 	(void) puts(argv[argc-1]);
 	return(TRUE);
 }
diff --git a/mkfs_minix.c b/mkfs_minix.c
index e4dedaf82..9ae4b569c 100644
--- a/mkfs_minix.c
+++ b/mkfs_minix.c
@@ -267,27 +267,23 @@ static volatile void die(char *str)
 	exit(8);
 }
 
+const char mkfs_minix_usage[] =
+	"mkfs.minix [-c | -l filename] [-nXX] [-iXX] /dev/name [blocks]\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nMake a MINIX filesystem.\n\n"
+	"Options:\n"
+	"\t-c\t\tCheck the device for bad blocks\n"
+	"\t-n [14|30]\tSpecify the maximum length of filenames\n"
+	"\t-i INODES\tSpecify the number of inodes for the filesystem\n"
+	"\t-l FILENAME\tRead the bad blocks list from FILENAME\n"
+	"\t-v\t\tMake a Minix version 2 filesystem\n\n"
+#endif
+	;
+
 static volatile void show_usage() __attribute__ ((noreturn));
 static volatile void show_usage()
 {
-	fprintf(stderr, "BusyBox v%s (%s) multi-call binary -- GPL2\n\n",
-			BB_VER, BB_BT);
-	fprintf(stderr,
-			"Usage: %s [-c | -l filename] [-nXX] [-iXX] /dev/name [blocks]\n",
-			applet_name);
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-	fprintf(stderr, "\nMake a MINIX filesystem.\n\n");
-	fprintf(stderr, "Options:\n");
-	fprintf(stderr, "\t-c\t\tCheck the device for bad blocks\n");
-	fprintf(stderr,
-			"\t-n [14|30]\tSpecify the maximum length of filenames\n");
-	fprintf(stderr,
-			"\t-i INODES\tSpecify the number of inodes for the filesystem\n");
-	fprintf(stderr,
-			"\t-l FILENAME\tRead the bad blocks list from FILENAME\n");
-	fprintf(stderr, "\t-v\t\tMake a Minix version 2 filesystem\n\n");
-#endif
-	exit(16);
+	usage(mkfs_minix_usage);
 }
 
 /*
diff --git a/mktemp.c b/mktemp.c
index 87792cb18..247d16d24 100644
--- a/mktemp.c
+++ b/mktemp.c
@@ -26,18 +26,20 @@
 #include <stdio.h>
 #include <errno.h>
 
+const char mktemp_usage[] =
+	"mktemp [-q] TEMPLATE\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nCreates a temporary file with its name based on TEMPLATE.\n"
+	"TEMPLATE is any name with six `Xs' (i.e. /tmp/temp.XXXXXX).\n"
+#endif
+	;
 
 extern int mktemp_main(int argc, char **argv)
 {
 	if (argc != 2 && (argc != 3 || strcmp(argv[1], "-q")))
-		usage	("mktemp [-q] TEMPLATE\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-				"\nCreates a temporary file with its name based on TEMPLATE.\n"
-				"TEMPLATE is any name with six `Xs' (i.e. /tmp/temp.XXXXXX).\n"
-#endif
-				);
+		usage(mktemp_usage);
 	if(mkstemp(argv[argc-1]) < 0)
-			exit(FALSE);
+		exit(FALSE);
 	(void) puts(argv[argc-1]);
 	return(TRUE);
 }
diff --git a/procps/free.c b/procps/free.c
index 997430b39..7c9d7f10a 100644
--- a/procps/free.c
+++ b/procps/free.c
@@ -25,6 +25,12 @@
 #include <stdio.h>
 #include <errno.h>
 
+const char free_usage[] =
+	"free\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nDisplays the amount of free and used system memory\n"
+#endif
+	;
 
 extern int free_main(int argc, char **argv)
 {
@@ -53,14 +59,8 @@ extern int free_main(int argc, char **argv)
 		info.sharedram*=info.mem_unit;
 		info.bufferram*=info.mem_unit;
 	}
-	if (argc > 1 && **(argv + 1) == '-') {
-		usage("free\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-				"\nDisplays the amount of free and used system memory\n"
-#endif
-				);
-	}
-
+	if (argc > 1 && **(argv + 1) == '-')
+		usage(free_usage);
 
 	printf("%6s%13s%13s%13s%13s%13s\n", "", "total", "used", "free", 
 			"shared", "buffers");
diff --git a/procps/ps.c b/procps/ps.c
index b070e3984..74e79f5f8 100644
--- a/procps/ps.c
+++ b/procps/ps.c
@@ -114,6 +114,13 @@ static void parse_proc_status(char *S, proc_t * P)
 
 }
 
+const char ps_usage[] =
+	"ps\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nReport process status\n"
+	"\nThis version of ps accepts no options.\n"
+#endif
+	;
 
 extern int ps_main(int argc, char **argv)
 {
@@ -134,14 +141,8 @@ extern int ps_main(int argc, char **argv)
 
 
 
-	if (argc > 1 && strcmp(argv[1], dash_dash_help) == 0) {
-		usage ("ps\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-				"\nReport process status\n"
-				"\nThis version of ps accepts no options.\n"
-#endif
-				);
-	}
+	if (argc > 1 && strcmp(argv[1], dash_dash_help) == 0)
+		usage(ps_usage);
 
 	dir = opendir("/proc");
 	if (!dir)
@@ -223,7 +224,7 @@ extern int ps_main(int argc, char **argv)
 #endif
 
 	if (argc > 1 && **(argv + 1) == '-') 
-		usage("ps-devps\n\nReport process status\n\nThis version of ps accepts no options.\n\n");
+		usage(ps_usage);
 
 	/* open device */ 
 	fd = open(device, O_RDONLY);
diff --git a/ps.c b/ps.c
index b070e3984..74e79f5f8 100644
--- a/ps.c
+++ b/ps.c
@@ -114,6 +114,13 @@ static void parse_proc_status(char *S, proc_t * P)
 
 }
 
+const char ps_usage[] =
+	"ps\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nReport process status\n"
+	"\nThis version of ps accepts no options.\n"
+#endif
+	;
 
 extern int ps_main(int argc, char **argv)
 {
@@ -134,14 +141,8 @@ extern int ps_main(int argc, char **argv)
 
 
 
-	if (argc > 1 && strcmp(argv[1], dash_dash_help) == 0) {
-		usage ("ps\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-				"\nReport process status\n"
-				"\nThis version of ps accepts no options.\n"
-#endif
-				);
-	}
+	if (argc > 1 && strcmp(argv[1], dash_dash_help) == 0)
+		usage(ps_usage);
 
 	dir = opendir("/proc");
 	if (!dir)
@@ -223,7 +224,7 @@ extern int ps_main(int argc, char **argv)
 #endif
 
 	if (argc > 1 && **(argv + 1) == '-') 
-		usage("ps-devps\n\nReport process status\n\nThis version of ps accepts no options.\n\n");
+		usage(ps_usage);
 
 	/* open device */ 
 	fd = open(device, O_RDONLY);
diff --git a/rmdir.c b/rmdir.c
index 4edb9b6b3..3c3533fae 100644
--- a/rmdir.c
+++ b/rmdir.c
@@ -26,17 +26,17 @@
 #include <stdio.h>
 #include <errno.h>
 
+const char rmdir_usage[] =
+	"rmdir [OPTION]... DIRECTORY...\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nRemove the DIRECTORY(ies), if they are empty.\n"
+#endif
+	;
 
 extern int rmdir_main(int argc, char **argv)
 {
-	if (argc == 1 || **(argv + 1) == '-') {
-		usage
-			("rmdir [OPTION]... DIRECTORY...\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-			 "\nRemove the DIRECTORY(ies), if they are empty.\n"
-#endif
-			 );
-	}
+	if (argc == 1 || **(argv + 1) == '-')
+		usage(rmdir_usage);
 
 	while (--argc > 0) {
 		if (rmdir(*(++argv)) == -1) {
diff --git a/sync.c b/sync.c
index db35d72fa..f7c14b04c 100644
--- a/sync.c
+++ b/sync.c
@@ -24,14 +24,16 @@
 #include "internal.h"
 #include <stdio.h>
 
+const char sync_usage[] =
+	"sync\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nWrite all buffered filesystem blocks to disk.\n"
+#endif
+	;
+
 extern int sync_main(int argc, char **argv)
 {
-	if (argc > 1 && **(argv + 1) == '-') {
-		usage("sync\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-				"\nWrite all buffered filesystem blocks to disk.\n"
-#endif
-				);
-	}
+	if (argc > 1 && **(argv + 1) == '-')
+		usage(sync_usage);
 	return(sync());
 }
diff --git a/test.c b/test.c
index 175cb5d05..bf1622cde 100644
--- a/test.c
+++ b/test.c
@@ -178,6 +178,15 @@ static int test_eaccess();
 static int is_a_group_member();
 static void initialize_group_array();
 
+const char test_usage[] =
+	"test EXPRESSION\n"
+	"or   [ EXPRESSION ]\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nChecks file types and compares values returning an exit\n"
+	"code determined by the value of EXPRESSION.\n"
+#endif
+	;
+
 extern int
 test_main(int argc, char** argv)
 {
@@ -188,15 +197,8 @@ test_main(int argc, char** argv)
 			fatalError("missing ]\n");
 		argv[argc] = NULL;
 	}
-	if (strcmp(argv[1], dash_dash_help) == 0) {
-		usage("test EXPRESSION\n"
-			  "or   [ EXPRESSION ]\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-				"\nChecks file types and compares values returning an exit\n"
-				"code determined by the value of EXPRESSION.\n"
-#endif
-				);
-	}
+	if (strcmp(argv[1], dash_dash_help) == 0)
+		usage(test_usage);
 
 	/* Implement special cases from POSIX.2, section 4.62.4 */
 	switch (argc) {
diff --git a/util-linux/fsck_minix.c b/util-linux/fsck_minix.c
index 74281a71e..ea27c236c 100644
--- a/util-linux/fsck_minix.c
+++ b/util-linux/fsck_minix.c
@@ -288,25 +288,24 @@ static void leave(int status)
 	exit(status);
 }
 
+const char fsck_minix_usage[] =
+	"Usage: fsck.minix [-larvsmf] /dev/name\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nPerforms a consistency check for MINIX filesystems.\n\n"
+	"Options:\n"
+	"\t-l\tLists all filenames\n"
+	"\t-r\tPerform interactive repairs\n"
+	"\t-a\tPerform automatic repairs\n"
+	"\t-v\tverbose\n"
+	"\t-s\tOutputs super-block information\n"
+	"\t-m\tActivates MINIX-like \"mode not cleared\" warnings\n"
+	"\t-f\tForce file system check.\n\n"
+#endif
+	;
+
 static void show_usage(void)
 {
-	fprintf(stderr, "BusyBox v%s (%s) multi-call binary -- GPL2\n\n",
-			BB_VER, BB_BT);
-	fprintf(stderr, "Usage: %s [-larvsmf] /dev/name\n", applet_name);
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-	fprintf(stderr,
-			"\nPerforms a consistency check for MINIX filesystems.\n\n");
-	fprintf(stderr, "Options:\n");
-	fprintf(stderr, "\t-l\tLists all filenames\n");
-	fprintf(stderr, "\t-r\tPerform interactive repairs\n");
-	fprintf(stderr, "\t-a\tPerform automatic repairs\n");
-	fprintf(stderr, "\t-v\tverbose\n");
-	fprintf(stderr, "\t-s\tOutputs super-block information\n");
-	fprintf(stderr,
-			"\t-m\tActivates MINIX-like \"mode not cleared\" warnings\n");
-	fprintf(stderr, "\t-f\tForce file system check.\n\n");
-#endif
-	leave(16);
+	usage(fsck_minix_usage);
 }
 
 static void die(const char *str)
diff --git a/util-linux/mkfs_minix.c b/util-linux/mkfs_minix.c
index e4dedaf82..9ae4b569c 100644
--- a/util-linux/mkfs_minix.c
+++ b/util-linux/mkfs_minix.c
@@ -267,27 +267,23 @@ static volatile void die(char *str)
 	exit(8);
 }
 
+const char mkfs_minix_usage[] =
+	"mkfs.minix [-c | -l filename] [-nXX] [-iXX] /dev/name [blocks]\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nMake a MINIX filesystem.\n\n"
+	"Options:\n"
+	"\t-c\t\tCheck the device for bad blocks\n"
+	"\t-n [14|30]\tSpecify the maximum length of filenames\n"
+	"\t-i INODES\tSpecify the number of inodes for the filesystem\n"
+	"\t-l FILENAME\tRead the bad blocks list from FILENAME\n"
+	"\t-v\t\tMake a Minix version 2 filesystem\n\n"
+#endif
+	;
+
 static volatile void show_usage() __attribute__ ((noreturn));
 static volatile void show_usage()
 {
-	fprintf(stderr, "BusyBox v%s (%s) multi-call binary -- GPL2\n\n",
-			BB_VER, BB_BT);
-	fprintf(stderr,
-			"Usage: %s [-c | -l filename] [-nXX] [-iXX] /dev/name [blocks]\n",
-			applet_name);
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-	fprintf(stderr, "\nMake a MINIX filesystem.\n\n");
-	fprintf(stderr, "Options:\n");
-	fprintf(stderr, "\t-c\t\tCheck the device for bad blocks\n");
-	fprintf(stderr,
-			"\t-n [14|30]\tSpecify the maximum length of filenames\n");
-	fprintf(stderr,
-			"\t-i INODES\tSpecify the number of inodes for the filesystem\n");
-	fprintf(stderr,
-			"\t-l FILENAME\tRead the bad blocks list from FILENAME\n");
-	fprintf(stderr, "\t-v\t\tMake a Minix version 2 filesystem\n\n");
-#endif
-	exit(16);
+	usage(mkfs_minix_usage);
 }
 
 /*
diff --git a/which.c b/which.c
index 8d4422a78..186bfdad7 100644
--- a/which.c
+++ b/which.c
@@ -26,6 +26,12 @@
 #include <sys/stat.h>
 #include <sys/param.h>
 
+const char which_usage[] =
+	"which [COMMAND ...]\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nLocates a COMMAND.\n"
+#endif
+	;
 
 extern int which_main(int argc, char **argv)
 {
@@ -34,13 +40,8 @@ extern int which_main(int argc, char **argv)
 	struct stat filestat;
 	int count = 0;
 
-	if (argc <= 1 || **(argv + 1) == '-') {
-		usage("which [COMMAND ...]\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-				"\nLocates a COMMAND.\n"
-#endif
-			 );
-	}
+	if (argc <= 1 || **(argv + 1) == '-')
+		usage(which_usage);
 	argc--;
 
 	path_list = getenv("PATH");
diff --git a/yes.c b/yes.c
index 1718af4bb..0191bb003 100644
--- a/yes.c
+++ b/yes.c
@@ -23,17 +23,19 @@
 #include "internal.h"
 #include <stdio.h>
 
+const char yes_usage[] =
+	"yes [OPTION]... [STRING]...\n"
+#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
+	"\nRepeatedly outputs a line with all specified STRING(s), or `y'.\n"
+#endif
+	;
+
 extern int yes_main(int argc, char **argv)
 {
 	int i;
 
-	if (argc >= 2 && *argv[1] == '-') {
-		usage("yes [OPTION]... [STRING]...\n"
-#ifndef BB_FEATURE_TRIVIAL_HELP
-				"\nRepeatedly outputs a line with all specified STRING(s), or `y'.\n"
-#endif
-				);
-	}
+	if (argc >= 2 && *argv[1] == '-')
+		usage(yes_usage);
 
 	if (argc == 1) {
 		while (1)