diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 1dcc84e2a986..b7ae42f21ffa 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -267,7 +267,7 @@ Then you just add a line to every git commit message:
 
     Signed-off-by: Joe Smith <joe.smith@email.com>
 
-Use your real name (sorry, no pseudonyms or anonymous contributions.)
+Use a known identity (sorry, no anonymous contributions.)
 
 If you set your `user.name` and `user.email` git configs, you can sign your
 commit automatically with `git commit -s`.