diff --git a/doc/conf.py b/doc/conf.py
index 9275fcc2b7b3..1b3943bed77d 100644
--- a/doc/conf.py
+++ b/doc/conf.py
@@ -223,10 +223,6 @@ def _check_deps():
 # using the given strftime format.
 html_last_updated_fmt = '%b %d, %Y'
 
-# If true, SmartyPants will be used to convert quotes and dashes to
-# typographically correct entities.
-#html_use_smartypants = True
-
 # Content template for the index page.
 html_index = 'index.html'
 
@@ -255,6 +251,9 @@ def _check_deps():
 # Output file base name for HTML help builder.
 htmlhelp_basename = 'Matplotlibdoc'
 
+# Use typographic quote characters.
+smartquotes = False
+
 # Path to favicon
 html_favicon = '_static/favicon.ico'