diff --git a/qutebrowser/config/configdata.py b/qutebrowser/config/configdata.py
index e15e6c8d2..aff20586a 100644
--- a/qutebrowser/config/configdata.py
+++ b/qutebrowser/config/configdata.py
@@ -360,9 +360,9 @@ DATA = collections.OrderedDict([
          SettingValue(typ.Bool(), 'false'),
          "Hide the tabbar if only one tab is open."),
 
-        ('perm-hide',
+        ('always-hide',
          SettingValue(typ.Bool(), 'false'),
-         "Hide permanently."),
+         "Always hide the tabbar."),
 
         ('wrap',
          SettingValue(typ.Bool(), 'true'),
diff --git a/qutebrowser/mainwindow/tabwidget.py b/qutebrowser/mainwindow/tabwidget.py
index 94fe57c21..c110eb7bb 100644
--- a/qutebrowser/mainwindow/tabwidget.py
+++ b/qutebrowser/mainwindow/tabwidget.py
@@ -106,8 +106,8 @@ class TabBar(QTabBar):
     def autohide(self):
         """Auto-hide the tabbar if needed."""
         auto_hide = config.get('tabs', 'auto-hide')
-        perm_hide = config.get('tabs', 'perm-hide')
-        if perm_hide or auto_hide and self.count() == 1:
+        always_hide = config.get('tabs', 'always-hide')
+        if always_hide or auto_hide and self.count() == 1:
             self.hide()
         else:
             self.show()