diff --git a/src/theming.py b/src/theming.py
index 71aa8b72..7b653d66 100644
--- a/src/theming.py
+++ b/src/theming.py
@@ -94,6 +94,12 @@ class Theme(object):
     # in the user list
     CHAR_STATUS = '|'
 
+    # The characters used for the chatstates in the user list
+    # in a MUC
+    CHAR_CHATSTATE_ACTIVE = 'A'
+    CHAR_CHATSTATE_COMPOSING = 'X'
+    CHAR_CHATSTATE_PAUSED = 'p'
+
     # Separators
     COLOR_VERTICAL_SEPARATOR = (4, -1)
     COLOR_NEW_TEXT_SEPARATOR = (2, -1)
diff --git a/src/windows.py b/src/windows.py
index 2e2c0fd5..7601208c 100644
--- a/src/windows.py
+++ b/src/windows.py
@@ -233,11 +233,11 @@ class UserList(Win):
                 else:
                     show_col = self.color_show[user.show]()
                 if user.chatstate == 'composing':
-                    char = 'X'
+                    char = get_theme().CHAR_CHATSTATE_COMPOSING
                 elif user.chatstate == 'active':
-                    char = 'A'
+                    char = get_theme().CHAR_CHATSTATE_ACTIVE
                 elif user.chatstate == 'paused':
-                    char = 'p'
+                    char = get_theme().CHAR_CHATSTATE_PAUSED
                 else:
                     char = get_theme().CHAR_STATUS
                 self.addstr(y, 0, char, to_curses_attr(show_col))