diff --git a/artiq/applets/simple.py b/artiq/applets/simple.py
index 7da0c0a31..0acc18360 100644
--- a/artiq/applets/simple.py
+++ b/artiq/applets/simple.py
@@ -53,9 +53,9 @@ class AppletIPCClient(AsyncioChildComm):
                         process_mod(data, mod)
                     self.mod_cb(mod)
                 else:
-                    raise ValueError("unknown action in applet request")
+                    raise ValueError("unknown action in parent message")
             except:
-                logger.error("error processing applet request",
+                logger.error("error processing parent message",
                                exc_info=True)
                 self.close_cb()
 
diff --git a/artiq/gui/applets.py b/artiq/gui/applets.py
index 6df993804..f69c7d0f1 100644
--- a/artiq/gui/applets.py
+++ b/artiq/gui/applets.py
@@ -61,9 +61,9 @@ class AppletIPCServer(AsyncioParentComm):
                                 self.datasets_sub.model.backing_store)
                             self.write_pyon({"action": "mod", "mod": mod})
                     else:
-                        raise ValueError("unknown action in applet request")
+                        raise ValueError("unknown action in applet message")
                 except:
-                    logger.warning("error processing applet request",
+                    logger.warning("error processing applet message",
                                    exc_info=True)
                     self.write_pyon({"action": "error"})
         except asyncio.CancelledError: