1 files changed, 15 insertions, 1 deletions

diff --git a/lisp/help.el b/lisp/help.el
index aeffaf732a5..a3e14014b79 100644
--- a/lisp/help.el
+++ b/lisp/help.el
@@ -586,7 +586,15 @@ the last key hit are used."
       ;; Ok, now look up the key and name the command.
       (let ((defn (or (string-key-binding key)
                       (key-binding key)))
-            (key-desc (help-key-description key untranslated)))
+            key-desc)
+        ;; Don't bother user with strings from (e.g.) the select-paste menu.
+        (if (stringp (aref key (1- (length key))))
+            (aset key (1- (length key)) "(any string)"))
+        (if (stringp (aref untranslated (1- (length untranslated))))
+            (aset untranslated (1- (length untranslated))
+                  "(any string)"))
+        ;; Now describe the key, perhaps as changed.
+        (setq key-desc (help-key-description key untranslated))
         (if (or (null defn) (integerp defn) (equal defn 'undefined))
             (princ (format "%s is undefined" key-desc))
           (princ (format (if (windowp window)
@@ -623,6 +631,12 @@ the last key hit are used."
         (if (or (null defn) (integerp defn) (equal defn 'undefined))
             (message "%s is undefined" (help-key-description key untranslated))
           (help-setup-xref (list #'describe-function defn) (interactive-p))
+          ;; Don't bother user with strings from (e.g.) the select-paste menu.
+          (if (stringp (aref key (1- (length key))))
+              (aset key (1- (length key)) "(any string)"))
+          (if (stringp (aref untranslated (1- (length untranslated))))
+              (aset untranslated (1- (length untranslated))
+                    "(any string)"))
           (with-output-to-temp-buffer (help-buffer)
             (princ (help-key-description key untranslated))
             (if (windowp window)