diff --git a/desktop/src/features/agents/ui/AgentInstanceEditDialog.tsx b/desktop/src/features/agents/ui/AgentInstanceEditDialog.tsx
index 601d57f95d..73b3e037cb 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/agents/ui/AgentInstanceEditDialog.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/agents/ui/AgentInstanceEditDialog.tsx
@@ -720,7 +720,7 @@ export function AgentInstanceEditDialog({
       // explicitly instead of relying on the user to know the policy.
       if (!isManagedAgentActive(result.agent)) {
         const startedName = result.agent.name;
-        toast(`${startedName} saved while stopped.`, {
+        toast(`Changes saved. ${startedName} is still stopped.`, {
           action: {
             label: "Start now",
             onClick: () => {
@@ -729,8 +729,8 @@ export function AgentInstanceEditDialog({
                 onError: (error) =>
                   toast.error(
                     error instanceof Error
-                      ? `${startedName} failed to start: ${error.message}`
-                      : `${startedName} failed to start.`,
+                      ? `Couldn't start ${startedName}: ${error.message}`
+                      : `Couldn't start ${startedName}`,
                   ),
               });
             },
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/agents/useOpenAgentActivity.ts b/desktop/src/features/agents/useOpenAgentActivity.ts
index e8cfc0e8ff..90e2dc3286 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/agents/useOpenAgentActivity.ts
+++ b/desktop/src/features/agents/useOpenAgentActivity.ts
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ import { getAgentWorkingState } from "./agentWorkingSignal";
 import { useRelayAgentsQuery } from "./hooks";
 
 const INACCESSIBLE_ACTIVITY_MESSAGE =
-  "This agent is active in a channel you haven't joined, so its activity can't be opened from here.";
+  "Can't open activity. It's in a channel you haven't joined.";
 
 /**
  * Can the viewer actually open this channel? Joined channels always;
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/channel-templates/useApplyTemplate.ts b/desktop/src/features/channel-templates/useApplyTemplate.ts
index 1f7d066fad..326cf15cca 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/channel-templates/useApplyTemplate.ts
+++ b/desktop/src/features/channel-templates/useApplyTemplate.ts
@@ -16,6 +16,18 @@ import { useChannelTemplatesQuery } from "@/features/channel-templates/hooks";
 import { setCanvas } from "@/shared/api/tauri";
 import type { ChannelTemplate } from "@/shared/api/types";
 
+/**
+ * Format a list of failed agent names for a warning toast: up to three names
+ * are listed in full, then it falls back to "and N others" to keep the toast
+ * short. Mirrors the typing-indicator convention in TypingIndicatorRow.
+ */
+function formatFailedAgentNames(names: readonly string[]): string {
+  if (names.length === 1) return names[0];
+  if (names.length === 2) return `${names[0]} and ${names[1]}`;
+  if (names.length === 3) return `${names[0]}, ${names[1]}, and ${names[2]}`;
+  return `${names[0]}, ${names[1]}, and ${names.length - 2} others`;
+}
+
 /**
  * TemplateBackend omits `config` — supply an empty object for provider backends.
  */
@@ -135,10 +147,9 @@ export function useApplyTemplate() {
       const result = await createChannelManagedAgents(channelId, inputs);
       if (result.failures.length > 0) {
         const { toast } = await import("sonner");
+        const failedNames = result.failures.map((failure) => failure.name);
         toast.warning(
-          result.failures.length === 1
-            ? "1 agent from the template could not be created"
-            : `${result.failures.length} agents from the template could not be created`,
+          `Couldn't add ${formatFailedAgentNames(failedNames)} from the template`,
         );
       }
       await Promise.all([
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/channels/ui/AgentSessionThreadPanel.tsx b/desktop/src/features/channels/ui/AgentSessionThreadPanel.tsx
index a907f87245..64ac2cf6ae 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/channels/ui/AgentSessionThreadPanel.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/channels/ui/AgentSessionThreadPanel.tsx
@@ -246,14 +246,12 @@ export function AgentSessionThreadPanel({
 
     try {
       await cancelManagedAgentTurn(agent.pubkey, channel.id);
-      toast.success(
-        `Stop signal sent to ${agent.name}. It may take a moment to respond.`,
-      );
+      toast.success(`Stopping ${agent.name}'s turn. This may take a moment.`);
     } catch (error) {
       toast.error(
         error instanceof Error
           ? error.message
-          : `Failed to stop ${agent.name}'s current turn.`,
+          : `Couldn't stop ${agent.name}'s current turn`,
       );
     }
   }
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/channels/ui/MembersSidebarMemberCard.tsx b/desktop/src/features/channels/ui/MembersSidebarMemberCard.tsx
index a332cb8500..50bb055700 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/channels/ui/MembersSidebarMemberCard.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/channels/ui/MembersSidebarMemberCard.tsx
@@ -67,7 +67,11 @@ type MembersSidebarMemberCardProps = {
   onManagedAgentAction: (agent: ManagedAgent) => void;
   onOpenProfile?: (pubkey: string) => void;
   onRemoveMember: (member: ChannelMember) => void;
-  onTimeout: (member: ChannelMember, expiresAtSecs: number) => void;
+  onTimeout: (
+    member: ChannelMember,
+    expiresAtSecs: number,
+    durationLabel: string,
+  ) => void;
   onUnban: (member: ChannelMember) => void;
   onUntimeout: (member: ChannelMember) => void;
   onViewActivity?: (pubkey: string) => void;
@@ -322,7 +326,11 @@ function MemberActionsMenu({
   onEditRespondTo?: (agent: ManagedAgent) => void;
   onManagedAgentAction: (agent: ManagedAgent) => void;
   onRemoveMember: (member: ChannelMember) => void;
-  onTimeout: (member: ChannelMember, expiresAtSecs: number) => void;
+  onTimeout: (
+    member: ChannelMember,
+    expiresAtSecs: number,
+    durationLabel: string,
+  ) => void;
   onUnban: (member: ChannelMember) => void;
   onUntimeout: (member: ChannelMember) => void;
   onViewActivity?: (pubkey: string) => void;
@@ -459,6 +467,7 @@ function MemberActionsMenu({
                         onTimeout(
                           member,
                           Math.floor(Date.now() / 1000) + preset.seconds,
+                          preset.label,
                         )
                       }
                     >
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/channels/ui/useMembersSidebarModeration.ts b/desktop/src/features/channels/ui/useMembersSidebarModeration.ts
index 04c4f1a70b..8ee2e6e408 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/channels/ui/useMembersSidebarModeration.ts
+++ b/desktop/src/features/channels/ui/useMembersSidebarModeration.ts
@@ -55,7 +55,9 @@ export function useMembersSidebarModeration(open: boolean) {
         toast.success(success);
       } catch (error) {
         toast.error(
-          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Moderation action failed",
+          error instanceof Error
+            ? error.message
+            : "Couldn't complete that action",
         );
       }
     },
@@ -81,14 +83,14 @@ export function useMembersSidebarModeration(open: boolean) {
   );
 
   const onTimeout = React.useCallback(
-    (member: ChannelMember, expiresAtSecs: number) =>
+    (member: ChannelMember, expiresAtSecs: number, durationLabel: string) =>
       void runModerationAction(
         () =>
           timeoutMutation.mutateAsync({
             pubkey: member.pubkey,
             expiresAt: expiresAtSecs,
           }),
-        "Member timed out",
+        `Member timed out for ${durationLabel}`,
       ),
     [timeoutMutation, runModerationAction],
   );
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/chat/ui/ChatHeader.tsx b/desktop/src/features/chat/ui/ChatHeader.tsx
index 9ced506751..d9924a1017 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/chat/ui/ChatHeader.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/chat/ui/ChatHeader.tsx
@@ -108,7 +108,7 @@ export function ChatHeader({
       await writeTextToClipboard(value);
       toast.success("Channel name copied");
     } catch {
-      toast.error("Failed to copy channel name");
+      toast.error("Couldn't copy channel name");
     }
   }
 
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/communities/ui/CommunityIconSettingsCard.tsx b/desktop/src/features/communities/ui/CommunityIconSettingsCard.tsx
index a9fed1648e..c4323b22f6 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/communities/ui/CommunityIconSettingsCard.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/communities/ui/CommunityIconSettingsCard.tsx
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ export function CommunityIconSettingsCard({
             toast.error(
               error instanceof Error
                 ? error.message
-                : "Couldn’t update the community icon.",
+                : "Couldn’t update the community icon",
             );
           }
         }
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/communities/useNestNotifications.ts b/desktop/src/features/communities/useNestNotifications.ts
index d93bb89ad2..aa617ba3cc 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/communities/useNestNotifications.ts
+++ b/desktop/src/features/communities/useNestNotifications.ts
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ const MIGRATION_TOAST_KEY = "buzz-legacy-nest-migrated-notified";
 export function useNestNotifications(): void {
   useEffect(() => {
     const unlistenReposError = listen<string>("repos-dir-error", (event) => {
-      toast.error("Repos directory not applied", {
+      toast.error("Couldn't apply the repos directory", {
         description: event.payload,
       });
     });
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/CommunityMembersCard.tsx b/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/CommunityMembersCard.tsx
index fdc75f3d18..57c3b340fe 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/CommunityMembersCard.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/CommunityMembersCard.tsx
@@ -205,7 +205,7 @@ export function CommunityMembersCard({
         },
         onError: (error) => {
           toast.error(
-            error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to change role",
+            error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Couldn't change role",
           );
         },
       },
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/CommunityMembersSettingsCard.tsx b/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/CommunityMembersSettingsCard.tsx
index 9097f35387..c0aee1948e 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/CommunityMembersSettingsCard.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/CommunityMembersSettingsCard.tsx
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ function RelayMemberRow({
       toast.error(
         error instanceof Error
           ? error.message
-          : "Couldn’t update this community member.",
+          : "Couldn’t update membership",
       );
     }
   }
@@ -187,7 +187,7 @@ function RelayMemberRow({
                         pubkey: member.pubkey,
                         role: "admin",
                       }),
-                    "Made community admin",
+                    `Promoted ${displayName} to admin`,
                   )
                 }
               >
@@ -203,7 +203,7 @@ function RelayMemberRow({
                         pubkey: member.pubkey,
                         role: "member",
                       }),
-                    "Made community member",
+                    `Demoted ${displayName} to member`,
                   )
                 }
               >
@@ -219,7 +219,7 @@ function RelayMemberRow({
                 onClick={() =>
                   void mutateWithToast(
                     () => removeMutation.mutateAsync(member.pubkey),
-                    "Removed community member",
+                    `Removed ${displayName} from the community`,
                   )
                 }
               >
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/ConfirmRemoveDialog.tsx b/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/ConfirmRemoveDialog.tsx
index 64735a5d56..007a1635e6 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/ConfirmRemoveDialog.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/community-members/ui/ConfirmRemoveDialog.tsx
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ export function ConfirmRemoveDialog({
                   toast.error(
                     error instanceof Error
                       ? error.message
-                      : "Failed to remove member",
+                      : "Couldn't remove member",
                   );
                 },
               });
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/custom-emoji/ui/CustomEmojiSettingsCard.tsx b/desktop/src/features/custom-emoji/ui/CustomEmojiSettingsCard.tsx
index 4e189a7953..4b52826ea5 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/custom-emoji/ui/CustomEmojiSettingsCard.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/custom-emoji/ui/CustomEmojiSettingsCard.tsx
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ export function CustomEmojiSettingsCard() {
         return;
       }
       if (!blob.type.startsWith("image/")) {
-        toast.error("Choose an image file for custom emoji.");
+        toast.error("Choose an image file for custom emoji");
         return;
       }
       setPendingUpload({ url: blob.url, filename: blob.filename ?? null });
@@ -74,9 +74,7 @@ export function CustomEmojiSettingsCard() {
       }
     } catch (error) {
       toast.error(
-        error instanceof Error
-          ? error.message
-          : "Failed to upload emoji image.",
+        error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Couldn't upload emoji image",
       );
     } finally {
       setIsUploading(false);
@@ -95,7 +93,7 @@ export function CustomEmojiSettingsCard() {
       toast.success(`Added :${stored}:`);
     } catch (error) {
       toast.error(
-        error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to add emoji.",
+        error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Couldn't add emoji",
       );
     }
   }, [normalized, pendingUpload, setEmoji]);
@@ -112,7 +110,7 @@ export function CustomEmojiSettingsCard() {
         toast.success(`Removed :${shortcode}:`);
       } catch (error) {
         toast.error(
-          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to remove emoji.",
+          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Couldn't remove emoji",
         );
       }
     },
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/huddle/lib/huddleError.ts b/desktop/src/features/huddle/lib/huddleError.ts
index 7ee47b2133..5c1b0a0aa6 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/huddle/lib/huddleError.ts
+++ b/desktop/src/features/huddle/lib/huddleError.ts
@@ -32,6 +32,6 @@ export function formatHuddleActionError(
   }
 
   return action === "join"
-    ? "Couldn’t join the huddle."
-    : "Couldn’t start the huddle.";
+    ? "Couldn’t join the huddle"
+    : "Couldn’t start the huddle";
 }
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/identity-archive/hooks.ts b/desktop/src/features/identity-archive/hooks.ts
index 8149eff7b7..6b5bad0d09 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/identity-archive/hooks.ts
+++ b/desktop/src/features/identity-archive/hooks.ts
@@ -153,10 +153,10 @@ export function useIdentityArchive(
     archiveMutation.mutate(
       { targetPubkey },
       {
-        onSuccess: () => toast.success("Archived on this relay"),
+        onSuccess: () => toast.success("Archived in this community"),
         onError: (error) =>
           toast.error(
-            `Archive failed: ${error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error)}`,
+            `Couldn't archive: ${error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error)}`,
           ),
       },
     );
@@ -167,10 +167,10 @@ export function useIdentityArchive(
     unarchiveMutation.mutate(
       { targetPubkey },
       {
-        onSuccess: () => toast.success("Unarchived on this relay"),
+        onSuccess: () => toast.success("Unarchived in this community"),
         onError: (error) =>
           toast.error(
-            `Unarchive failed: ${error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error)}`,
+            `Couldn't unarchive: ${error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error)}`,
           ),
       },
     );
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/local-archive/ui/LocalArchiveSettingsCard.tsx b/desktop/src/features/local-archive/ui/LocalArchiveSettingsCard.tsx
index fbf8c506eb..a9e7ed94a4 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/local-archive/ui/LocalArchiveSettingsCard.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/local-archive/ui/LocalArchiveSettingsCard.tsx
@@ -302,10 +302,10 @@ function AddSubscriptionForm({ channels, onSaved, onCancel }: AddFormProps) {
         request.kinds,
       );
       onSaved();
-      toast.success("Archive subscription created.");
+      toast.success("Archive subscription created");
     } catch (err) {
       toast.error(
-        err instanceof Error ? err.message : "Failed to create subscription.",
+        err instanceof Error ? err.message : "Couldn't create the subscription",
       );
     } finally {
       setIsAdding(false);
@@ -441,10 +441,12 @@ export function LocalArchiveSettingsCard() {
       try {
         await deleteSaveSubscription(scopeType, scopeValue);
         await reload();
-        toast.success("Archive subscription removed.");
+        toast.success("Archive subscription removed");
       } catch (err) {
         toast.error(
-          err instanceof Error ? err.message : "Failed to remove subscription.",
+          err instanceof Error
+            ? err.message
+            : "Couldn't remove the subscription",
         );
       } finally {
         setDeletingKey(null);
@@ -475,15 +477,15 @@ export function LocalArchiveSettingsCard() {
         }
         toast.success(
           checked
-            ? "Observer feed archive enabled."
-            : "Observer feed archive disabled.",
+            ? "Observer feed archive enabled"
+            : "Observer feed archive disabled",
         );
         await reload();
       } catch (err) {
         toast.error(
           err instanceof Error
             ? err.message
-            : "Failed to update observer archive.",
+            : "Couldn't update the observer archive",
         );
       } finally {
         setObserverToggling(false);
@@ -505,15 +507,15 @@ export function LocalArchiveSettingsCard() {
         setExplicitAgentMetricArchiveChoice(pubkey, checked);
         toast.success(
           checked
-            ? "Agent turn metric archive enabled."
-            : "Agent turn metric archive disabled.",
+            ? "Agent turn metric archive enabled"
+            : "Agent turn metric archive disabled",
         );
         await reload();
       } catch (err) {
         toast.error(
           err instanceof Error
             ? err.message
-            : "Failed to update agent metric archive.",
+            : "Couldn't update the agent metric archive",
         );
       } finally {
         setMetricToggling(false);
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/messages/hooks.ts b/desktop/src/features/messages/hooks.ts
index 062b0ee40b..b357167b87 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/messages/hooks.ts
+++ b/desktop/src/features/messages/hooks.ts
@@ -681,7 +681,7 @@ export function useDeleteMessageMutation(channel: Channel | null) {
       );
     },
     onError: (error) => {
-      toast.error(`Failed to delete message: ${error.message}`);
+      toast.error(`Couldn't delete message: ${error.message}`);
     },
   });
 }
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/SystemMessageRow.tsx b/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/SystemMessageRow.tsx
index 4410964dd9..0fbb9508d3 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/SystemMessageRow.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/SystemMessageRow.tsx
@@ -522,7 +522,7 @@ function describeSystemEvent(
         title: membershipTitle,
         action: (
           <>
-            was added by{" "}
+            added by{" "}
             <ProfileName pubkey={payload.actor} underlineOnHover>
               {resolveDisplayLabel(payload.actor, currentPubkey, profiles)}
             </ProfileName>
@@ -566,7 +566,7 @@ function describeSystemEvent(
         title: membershipTitle,
         action: (
           <>
-            was added by{" "}
+            added by{" "}
             <ProfileName pubkey={payload.actor} underlineOnHover>
               {resolveDisplayLabel(payload.actor, currentPubkey, profiles)}
             </ProfileName>
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/useMentionSendFlow.ts b/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/useMentionSendFlow.ts
index 6d4e007cd4..84e2797be2 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/useMentionSendFlow.ts
+++ b/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/useMentionSendFlow.ts
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ function isProviderBackedAgent(agent: ManagedAgent) {
 }
 
 const DM_THREAD_AGENT_MENTION_ERROR =
-  "Agents must already be in a DM to be mentioned in its threads. Start a new conversation that includes the agent.";
+  "You can only mention agents already in this DM. Start a new conversation to add them.";
 const DM_THREAD_MEMBERS_LOADING_ERROR =
   "Checking conversation members. Try again in a moment.";
 
@@ -490,8 +490,8 @@ export function useMentionSendFlow({
         if (agentReadiness.errors.length > 0) {
           const message =
             agentReadiness.errors.length === 1
-              ? `Could not start agent mention: ${agentReadiness.errors[0]}`
-              : `Could not start agent mentions: ${agentReadiness.errors.join(
+              ? `Couldn't start agent mention: ${agentReadiness.errors[0]}`
+              : `Couldn't start agent mentions: ${agentReadiness.errors.join(
                   "; ",
                 )}`;
           setNonMemberPromptError(message);
@@ -680,8 +680,8 @@ export function useMentionSendFlow({
         if (personaMentionResult.errors.length > 0) {
           const message =
             personaMentionResult.errors.length === 1
-              ? `Could not create agent mention: ${personaMentionResult.errors[0]}`
-              : `Could not create agent mentions: ${personaMentionResult.errors.join(
+              ? `Couldn't create agent mention: ${personaMentionResult.errors[0]}`
+              : `Couldn't create agent mentions: ${personaMentionResult.errors.join(
                   "; ",
                 )}`;
           setNonMemberPromptError(message);
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/moderation/ui/MessageModerationMenuItems.tsx b/desktop/src/features/moderation/ui/MessageModerationMenuItems.tsx
index e61f63b687..c4f89629c2 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/moderation/ui/MessageModerationMenuItems.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/moderation/ui/MessageModerationMenuItems.tsx
@@ -94,7 +94,9 @@ export function MessageModerationMenuItems({
         toast.success(success);
       } catch (error) {
         toast.error(
-          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Moderation action failed",
+          error instanceof Error
+            ? error.message
+            : "Couldn't complete that action",
         );
       }
     },
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/moderation/ui/ReportMessageDialog.tsx b/desktop/src/features/moderation/ui/ReportMessageDialog.tsx
index 1cbc71c90d..ceb8dfebd6 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/moderation/ui/ReportMessageDialog.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/moderation/ui/ReportMessageDialog.tsx
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ export function ReportMessageDialog({
           toast.success("Report submitted to community moderators");
           onOpenChange(false);
         },
-        onError: () => toast.error("Failed to submit report"),
+        onError: () => toast.error("Couldn't submit report"),
       },
     );
   };
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/onboarding/ui/ProfileStep.tsx b/desktop/src/features/onboarding/ui/ProfileStep.tsx
index 69da9b8f7c..6158c83fb2 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/onboarding/ui/ProfileStep.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/onboarding/ui/ProfileStep.tsx
@@ -123,7 +123,7 @@ function OnboardingRelayConnectionErrorCard({
         .catch((error) => {
           hadActiveReconnectRef.current = false;
           const detail = error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error);
-          toast.error(`Could not reconnect to the relay. ${detail}`);
+          toast.error(`Couldn't reconnect to the relay. ${detail}`);
         })
         .finally(() => {
           reconnectActionPendingRef.current = false;
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/UserProfilePanel.tsx b/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/UserProfilePanel.tsx
index c1f713d230..bf5e04cabc 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/UserProfilePanel.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/UserProfilePanel.tsx
@@ -464,14 +464,14 @@ export function UserProfilePanel({
       if (created.spawnError) {
         toast.error(created.spawnError);
       } else {
-        toast.success(`Started ${created.agent.name}.`);
+        toast.success(`Started ${created.agent.name}`);
       }
       if (created.profileSyncError) {
         toast.warning(created.profileSyncError);
       }
     } catch (error) {
       toast.error(
-        error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to start agent.",
+        error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Couldn’t start the agent",
       );
     }
   }, [createManagedAgentForPersona, resolvedPersona]);
@@ -486,14 +486,14 @@ export function UserProfilePanel({
       });
       toast.success(
         updated.startOnAppLaunch
-          ? `Will start ${updated.name} automatically.`
-          : `${updated.name} will stay manual-start only.`,
+          ? `Will start ${updated.name} automatically`
+          : `${updated.name} will stay manual-start only`,
       );
     } catch (error) {
       toast.error(
         error instanceof Error
           ? error.message
-          : "Failed to update startup preference.",
+          : "Couldn’t update the startup preference",
       );
     }
   }, [managedAgent, startOnLaunchMutation.mutateAsync]);
@@ -505,11 +505,11 @@ export function UserProfilePanel({
       const result = await deleteManagedAgentRecord(managedAgent);
       if (result.cancelled) return;
 
-      toast.success(`Deleted ${managedAgent.name}.`);
+      toast.success(`Deleted ${managedAgent.name}`);
       onClose();
     } catch (error) {
       toast.error(
-        error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to delete agent.",
+        error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Couldn’t delete agent",
       );
     }
   }, [deleteManagedAgentRecord, managedAgent, onClose]);
@@ -572,18 +572,18 @@ export function UserProfilePanel({
           id: resolvedPersona.id,
           active: false,
         });
-        toast.success(`Removed ${resolvedPersona.displayName} from My Agents.`);
+        toast.success(`Removed ${resolvedPersona.displayName} from My Agents`);
         onClose();
       } catch (error) {
         toast.error(
-          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to delete agent.",
+          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Couldn’t delete agent",
         );
       }
       return;
     }
 
     if (resolvedPersona.sourceTeam) {
-      toast.error("This agent is managed by a team.");
+      toast.error("This agent is managed by a team");
       return;
     }
 
@@ -598,19 +598,19 @@ export function UserProfilePanel({
   const handleConfirmDeletePersona = React.useCallback(
     async (personaToConfirm: AgentPersona) => {
       if (personaToConfirm.sourceTeam) {
-        toast.error("This agent is managed by a team.");
+        toast.error("This agent is managed by a team");
         setPersonaToDelete(null);
         return;
       }
 
       try {
         await deletePersonaMutation.mutateAsync(personaToConfirm.id);
-        toast.success(`Deleted ${personaToConfirm.displayName}.`);
+        toast.success(`Deleted ${personaToConfirm.displayName}`);
         setPersonaToDelete(null);
         onClose();
       } catch (error) {
         toast.error(
-          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to delete agent.",
+          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Couldn’t delete agent",
         );
       }
     },
@@ -632,11 +632,11 @@ export function UserProfilePanel({
   const handleAddedToChannel = React.useCallback(
     (channel: Channel, result: AttachManagedAgentToChannelResult) => {
       if (result.started) {
-        toast.success(`Added ${result.agent.name} to ${channel.name}.`);
+        toast.success(`Added ${result.agent.name} to ${channel.name}`);
       } else if (result.membershipAdded) {
-        toast.success(`Added ${result.agent.name} to ${channel.name}.`);
+        toast.success(`Added ${result.agent.name} to ${channel.name}`);
       } else {
-        toast.success(`${result.agent.name} is already in ${channel.name}.`);
+        toast.success(`${result.agent.name} is already in ${channel.name}`);
       }
       void managedAgentsQuery.refetch();
       void relayAgentsQuery.refetch();
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/UserProfilePanelPersonaSubmit.ts b/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/UserProfilePanelPersonaSubmit.ts
index eff9a1af10..2fc0d41c04 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/UserProfilePanelPersonaSubmit.ts
+++ b/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/UserProfilePanelPersonaSubmit.ts
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ export async function submitProfilePersonaDialog({
           `${result.agent.name} was updated, but profile sync failed: ${result.profileSyncError}`,
         );
       }
-      toast.success(`Updated ${input.displayName}.`);
+      toast.success(`Updated ${input.displayName}`);
     } else {
       const persona = await createPersona(input);
       try {
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ export async function submitProfilePersonaDialog({
             `${persona.displayName} was created, but it did not start: ${created.spawnError}`,
           );
         } else {
-          toast.success(`Created and started ${created.agent.name}.`);
+          toast.success(`Created and started ${created.agent.name}`);
         }
         if (created.profileSyncError) {
           toast.warning(
@@ -120,16 +120,14 @@ export async function submitProfilePersonaDialog({
       } catch (error) {
         toast.error(
           error instanceof Error
-            ? `${persona.displayName} was created, but the agent instance could not be created: ${error.message}`
-            : `${persona.displayName} was created, but the agent instance could not be created.`,
+            ? `${persona.displayName} was created, but the agent instance couldn't be created: ${error.message}`
+            : `${persona.displayName} was created, but the agent instance couldn't be created.`,
         );
       }
     }
 
     onDone();
   } catch (error) {
-    toast.error(
-      error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to save agent.",
-    );
+    toast.error(error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Couldn't save agent");
   }
 }
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/UserProfilePanelSections.tsx b/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/UserProfilePanelSections.tsx
index 4514b62d95..44bb57e428 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/UserProfilePanelSections.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/UserProfilePanelSections.tsx
@@ -667,7 +667,7 @@ function ProfilePrimaryActions({
     followToggleMutation.mutate(pubkey, {
       onError: (error) =>
         toast.error(
-          `${isFollowing ? "Unfollow" : "Follow"} failed: ${error.message}`,
+          `Couldn't ${isFollowing ? "unfollow" : "follow"}: ${error.message}`,
         ),
     });
   };
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/UserProfilePopover.tsx b/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/UserProfilePopover.tsx
index f2739088a6..965ba2e167 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/UserProfilePopover.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/UserProfilePopover.tsx
@@ -337,7 +337,7 @@ export function UserProfilePopover({
       toast.error(
         error instanceof Error
           ? error.message
-          : "Failed to open direct message.",
+          : "Couldn’t open direct message",
       );
     } finally {
       if (isMountedRef.current) {
@@ -471,7 +471,7 @@ export function UserProfilePopover({
       }
     } catch (error) {
       toast.error(
-        error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to send wave.",
+        error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Couldn’t send wave",
       );
     } finally {
       if (isMountedRef.current) {
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/UserProfileSnapshotExportDialog.tsx b/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/UserProfileSnapshotExportDialog.tsx
index 003c12c812..9de7bff7d1 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/UserProfileSnapshotExportDialog.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/UserProfileSnapshotExportDialog.tsx
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ export function UserProfileSnapshotExportDialog({
           {
             onSuccess: (saved) => {
               if (saved) {
-                toast.success(`Exported ${persona.displayName}.`);
+                toast.success(`Exported ${persona.displayName}`);
                 onOpenChange(false);
               }
             },
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ export function UserProfileSnapshotExportDialog({
               toast.error(
                 error instanceof Error
                   ? error.message
-                  : "Failed to export agent snapshot.",
+                  : "Couldn't export agent snapshot",
               );
             },
           },
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/useAgentLifecycleActions.ts b/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/useAgentLifecycleActions.ts
index 62d0d3c7ad..6a64fa4ce8 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/useAgentLifecycleActions.ts
+++ b/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/useAgentLifecycleActions.ts
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ export function useAgentLifecycleActions({
         if (managedAgent.backend.type === "local") {
           clearActiveTurnsForAgentOnStop(managedAgent.pubkey);
         }
-        toast.success(result.noticeMessage ?? `Stopped ${managedAgent.name}.`);
+        toast.success(result.noticeMessage ?? `Stopped ${managedAgent.name}`);
         return;
       }
 
@@ -47,12 +47,14 @@ export function useAgentLifecycleActions({
       });
       toast.success(
         managedAgent.backend.type === "provider"
-          ? `Deploying ${managedAgent.name}.`
-          : `Started ${managedAgent.name}.`,
+          ? `Deploying ${managedAgent.name}`
+          : `Started ${managedAgent.name}`,
       );
     } catch (error) {
       toast.error(
-        error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Agent action failed.",
+        error instanceof Error
+          ? error.message
+          : "Couldn’t complete that action",
       );
     }
   }, [
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/useProfileDmAction.ts b/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/useProfileDmAction.ts
index 0d5811333a..0f3e4afaa9 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/useProfileDmAction.ts
+++ b/desktop/src/features/profile/ui/useProfileDmAction.ts
@@ -32,9 +32,7 @@ export function useProfileDmAction({
     } catch (error) {
       if (!isMountedRef.current) return;
       toast.error(
-        error instanceof Error
-          ? error.message
-          : "Failed to open direct message.",
+        error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Couldn't open direct message",
       );
       setIsOpeningDm(false);
       return;
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/CreateProjectIssueDialog.tsx b/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/CreateProjectIssueDialog.tsx
index af28693bb4..d3c9537c03 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/CreateProjectIssueDialog.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/CreateProjectIssueDialog.tsx
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ export function CreateProjectIssueDialog({
   async function handleCreate(input: CreateProjectWorkItemDialogInput) {
     if (!project) throw new Error("Choose a repository.");
     const issueId = await createMutation.mutateAsync(input);
-    toast.success("Issue created.");
+    toast.success("Issue created");
     await onCreated(project, issueId);
   }
 
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/CreatePullRequestDialog.tsx b/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/CreatePullRequestDialog.tsx
index d64d132aed..11af95f1e5 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/CreatePullRequestDialog.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/CreatePullRequestDialog.tsx
@@ -138,7 +138,7 @@ export function CreatePullRequestDialog({
       mergeBase: sourceSyncQuery.data?.mergeBase ?? null,
       reviewers: [],
     });
-    toast.success("Pull request created.");
+    toast.success("Pull request created");
     await onCreated(project, pullRequestId);
   }
 
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/MergePullRequestButton.tsx b/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/MergePullRequestButton.tsx
index 40757f1529..2b49fec6a7 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/MergePullRequestButton.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/MergePullRequestButton.tsx
@@ -105,9 +105,7 @@ export function MergePullRequestButton({
         setConfirmOpen(false);
       }
       toast.error(
-        error instanceof Error
-          ? error.message
-          : "Failed to merge pull request.",
+        error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to merge pull request",
       );
     }
   }, [mergeMutation, pullRequest]);
@@ -138,12 +136,12 @@ export function MergePullRequestButton({
         recoveryRef: result.recoveryRef,
         targetRef: result.targetRef,
       });
-      toast.success("Recovery commit fetched and terminal opened.");
+      toast.success("Recovery commit fetched and terminal opened");
     } catch (error) {
       toast.error(
         error instanceof Error
           ? error.message
-          : "Failed to prepare merge recovery.",
+          : "Failed to prepare merge recovery",
       );
     } finally {
       setIsPreparingRecovery(false);
@@ -164,12 +162,12 @@ export function MergePullRequestButton({
         statusEvent: unpublishedStatusEvent,
       });
       setUnpublishedStatusState(null);
-      toast.success("Published merged pull request status.");
+      toast.success("Published merged pull request status");
     } catch (error) {
       toast.error(
         error instanceof Error
           ? error.message
-          : "Failed to publish merged pull request status.",
+          : "Failed to publish merged pull request status",
       );
     }
   }, [publishMergedMutation, unpublishedStatusEvent]);
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/ProjectDetailScreen.tsx b/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/ProjectDetailScreen.tsx
index 587dd0d11b..d876b2d7ee 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/ProjectDetailScreen.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/ProjectDetailScreen.tsx
@@ -339,13 +339,13 @@ export function ProjectDetailScreen(props: ProjectDetailScreenProps) {
     ]);
     const error = results.find((result) => result.error)?.error;
     if (error) {
-      toast.error("Could not fetch repository.", {
+      toast.error("Couldn't fetch repository", {
         description:
           error instanceof Error ? error.message : "The Git fetch failed.",
       });
       return;
     }
-    toast.success("Remote state refreshed.");
+    toast.success("Remote state refreshed");
   }, [repoSnapshotQuery, repoStateQuery, repoSyncStatusQuery]);
   // Compact branch + remote/local controls shared by the readme and Files
   // tab headers.
@@ -585,7 +585,7 @@ export function ProjectDetailScreen(props: ProjectDetailScreenProps) {
   const handleCreateIssue = React.useCallback(
     async ({ body, title }: CreateIssueDialogInput) => {
       const issueId = await createIssueMutation.mutateAsync({ body, title });
-      toast.success("Issue created.");
+      toast.success("Issue created");
       await issuesQuery.refetch();
       setSelectedIssueId(issueId);
     },
@@ -600,7 +600,7 @@ export function ProjectDetailScreen(props: ProjectDetailScreenProps) {
         mergeBase: repoSyncStatusQuery.data?.mergeBase ?? null,
       });
       toast.success(
-        updated ? "Pull request updated." : "Pull request is already current.",
+        updated ? "Pull request updated" : "Pull request is already current",
       );
       await pullRequestsQuery.refetch();
     } catch (error) {
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/ProjectIssuesPanel.tsx b/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/ProjectIssuesPanel.tsx
index 104000e553..e359cecdcf 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/ProjectIssuesPanel.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/ProjectIssuesPanel.tsx
@@ -190,10 +190,10 @@ export function ProjectIssueDetail({
           mediaTags,
           mentionPubkeys,
         });
-        toast.success("Comment posted.");
+        toast.success("Comment posted");
       } catch (error) {
         toast.error(
-          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to post comment.",
+          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to post comment",
         );
         throw error;
       }
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/ProjectPullRequestFilesChangedPanel.tsx b/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/ProjectPullRequestFilesChangedPanel.tsx
index c257457d31..8591a3c17d 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/ProjectPullRequestFilesChangedPanel.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/ProjectPullRequestFilesChangedPanel.tsx
@@ -702,14 +702,14 @@ export function ProjectPullRequestFilesChangedPanel({
         setActiveAnchor(null);
         toast.success(
           decision === "request-changes"
-            ? "Changes requested."
-            : "Line comment posted.",
+            ? "Changes requested"
+            : "Line comment posted",
         );
       } catch (error) {
         toast.error(
           error instanceof Error
             ? error.message
-            : "Failed to post line comment.",
+            : "Failed to post line comment",
         );
         throw error;
       }
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/ProjectPullRequestsPanel.tsx b/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/ProjectPullRequestsPanel.tsx
index c93691a924..e9e5365f97 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/ProjectPullRequestsPanel.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/ProjectPullRequestsPanel.tsx
@@ -546,12 +546,12 @@ export function ProjectPullRequestDetail({
         });
         toast.success(
           decision === "request-changes"
-            ? "Changes requested."
-            : "Comment posted.",
+            ? "Changes requested"
+            : "Comment posted",
         );
       } catch (error) {
         toast.error(
-          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to post comment.",
+          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to post comment",
         );
         throw error;
       }
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/ProjectsAgentPromptPage.tsx b/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/ProjectsAgentPromptPage.tsx
index 29705425f6..be4502868a 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/ProjectsAgentPromptPage.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/ProjectsAgentPromptPage.tsx
@@ -397,7 +397,7 @@ export function ProjectsAgentPromptPage({
       richText.clearContent();
     } catch (error) {
       toast.error(
-        error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to reach the agent",
+        error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Couldn't reach agent",
       );
     } finally {
       setIsSending(false);
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/ProjectsView.tsx b/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/ProjectsView.tsx
index 2f22bfe0c1..ff4afba191 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/ProjectsView.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/ProjectsView.tsx
@@ -603,7 +603,7 @@ export function ProjectsView() {
         isCreating={createProjectMutation.isPending}
         onCreate={async (input) => {
           const project = await createProjectMutation.mutateAsync(input);
-          toast.success(`Project "${project.name}" created.`);
+          toast.success(`Project "${project.name}" created`);
           // Land on the list that actually shows the new project — the
           // Overview only surfaces the top few most-active repositories.
           handleRepositoryScopeChange("all");
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/PullRequestReviewCard.tsx b/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/PullRequestReviewCard.tsx
index c903769b7d..fb46067686 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/PullRequestReviewCard.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/PullRequestReviewCard.tsx
@@ -90,16 +90,16 @@ export function PullRequestReviewCard({
         });
         toast.success(
           status === "draft"
-            ? "Converted to draft."
+            ? "Converted to draft"
             : status === "closed"
-              ? "Pull request closed."
+              ? "Pull request closed"
               : pullRequest.status === "Closed"
-                ? "Pull request reopened."
-                : "Marked as ready for review.",
+                ? "Pull request reopened"
+                : "Marked as ready for review",
         );
       } catch (error) {
         toast.error(
-          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to update status.",
+          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to update status",
         );
       }
     },
@@ -147,8 +147,8 @@ export function PullRequestReviewCard({
   const handleApprove = React.useCallback(async () => {
     const approved = await runReviewDecision(
       approvePullRequest,
-      "Pull request approved.",
-      "Failed to approve.",
+      "Pull request approved",
+      "Failed to approve",
       approvalSummary,
     );
     if (approved) {
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/PullRequestReviewersRow.tsx b/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/PullRequestReviewersRow.tsx
index 3c0caa9193..49e3008d7d 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/PullRequestReviewersRow.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/PullRequestReviewersRow.tsx
@@ -113,10 +113,10 @@ export function PullRequestReviewersRow({
         });
         setPickerOpen(false);
         setReviewerQuery("");
-        toast.success("Review requested.");
+        toast.success("Review requested");
       } catch (error) {
         toast.error(
-          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to request review.",
+          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to request review",
         );
       } finally {
         requestInFlightRef.current = false;
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/useOpenProjectTerminal.ts b/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/useOpenProjectTerminal.ts
index 64d2415536..6defabed6a 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/useOpenProjectTerminal.ts
+++ b/desktop/src/features/projects/ui/useOpenProjectTerminal.ts
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ export function useOpenProjectTerminal(reposDir?: string | null) {
         }
       } catch (error) {
         toast.error(
-          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to open terminal",
+          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Couldn't open the terminal",
           { id: toastId },
         );
       }
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/pulse/lib/useNoteActions.ts b/desktop/src/features/pulse/lib/useNoteActions.ts
index 8178cdc53a..a88bf67234 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/pulse/lib/useNoteActions.ts
+++ b/desktop/src/features/pulse/lib/useNoteActions.ts
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ export function usePulseNoteActions({
 
         queryClient.setQueryData(reactionQueryKey, previousReactions);
         toast.error(
-          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to update reaction",
+          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Couldn't update reaction",
         );
       } finally {
         setPendingUpvoteNoteIds((current) =>
@@ -135,7 +135,7 @@ export function usePulseNoteActions({
         });
       } catch (error) {
         toast.error(
-          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to post reply",
+          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Couldn't post reply",
         );
         throw error;
       }
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ export function usePulseNoteActions({
       await writeTextToClipboard(buildNoteShareUri(note));
       toast.success("Copied note link");
     } catch {
-      toast.error("Failed to copy note link");
+      toast.error("Couldn't copy note link");
     }
   }, []);
 
@@ -164,7 +164,7 @@ export function usePulseNoteActions({
         });
       } catch (error) {
         toast.error(
-          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to open DM",
+          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Couldn't open DM",
         );
       }
     },
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/reminders/ui/RemindMeLaterDialog.tsx b/desktop/src/features/reminders/ui/RemindMeLaterDialog.tsx
index 2833eee45f..bcdc936eba 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/reminders/ui/RemindMeLaterDialog.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/reminders/ui/RemindMeLaterDialog.tsx
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ export function RemindMeLaterDialog({
           onOpenChange(false);
           setNote("");
         },
-        onError: () => toast.error("Failed to create reminder"),
+        onError: () => toast.error("Couldn't create reminder"),
       },
     );
   };
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/reminders/ui/RemindersPanel.tsx b/desktop/src/features/reminders/ui/RemindersPanel.tsx
index 651768a251..630971cb1f 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/reminders/ui/RemindersPanel.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/reminders/ui/RemindersPanel.tsx
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ function ReminderRow({
   const handleComplete = () => {
     complete.mutate(reminder, {
       onSuccess: () => toast.success("Reminder completed"),
-      onError: () => toast.error("Failed to complete reminder"),
+      onError: () => toast.error("Couldn't complete reminder"),
     });
   };
 
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ function ReminderRow({
       { reminder, notBefore },
       {
         onSuccess: () => toast.success("Reminder snoozed"),
-        onError: () => toast.error("Failed to snooze reminder"),
+        onError: () => toast.error("Couldn't snooze reminder"),
       },
     );
   };
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ function ReminderRow({
   const handleCancel = () => {
     cancel.mutate(reminder, {
       onSuccess: () => toast.success("Reminder cancelled"),
-      onError: () => toast.error("Failed to cancel reminder"),
+      onError: () => toast.error("Couldn't cancel reminder"),
     });
   };
 
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/settings/ui/ChannelTemplatesSettingsCard.tsx b/desktop/src/features/settings/ui/ChannelTemplatesSettingsCard.tsx
index 82680ae5a8..664f410549 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/settings/ui/ChannelTemplatesSettingsCard.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/settings/ui/ChannelTemplatesSettingsCard.tsx
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ export function ChannelTemplatesSettingsCard() {
       },
       onError: (error) => {
         toast.error(
-          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to duplicate",
+          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Couldn't duplicate",
         );
       },
     });
@@ -92,9 +92,7 @@ export function ChannelTemplatesSettingsCard() {
         setDeleteTarget(null);
       },
       onError: (error) => {
-        toast.error(
-          error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to delete",
-        );
+        toast.error(error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Couldn't delete");
       },
     });
   }
@@ -375,7 +373,7 @@ function TemplateFormDialog({
         },
         onError: (error) => {
           toast.error(
-            error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to update",
+            error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Couldn't update",
           );
         },
       });
@@ -394,7 +392,7 @@ function TemplateFormDialog({
         },
         onError: (error) => {
           toast.error(
-            error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to create",
+            error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Couldn't create",
           );
         },
       });
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/settings/ui/ModerationQueueCard.tsx b/desktop/src/features/settings/ui/ModerationQueueCard.tsx
index ca9adf980d..6e3cdd7668 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/settings/ui/ModerationQueueCard.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/settings/ui/ModerationQueueCard.tsx
@@ -414,7 +414,7 @@ function QueueTab() {
       );
     } catch (error) {
       toast.error(
-        error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Failed to resolve the report",
+        error instanceof Error ? error.message : "Couldn't resolve the report",
       );
     }
   }
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/settings/ui/SignOutSection.tsx b/desktop/src/features/settings/ui/SignOutSection.tsx
index 8d4dc1c481..28efc8f817 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/settings/ui/SignOutSection.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/settings/ui/SignOutSection.tsx
@@ -123,7 +123,7 @@ export function SignOutSection() {
         setIsPending(false);
         setIsOpen(false);
         resetDialogState();
-        toast.error(err instanceof Error ? err.message : "Sign out failed.");
+        toast.error(err instanceof Error ? err.message : "Couldn’t sign out");
       });
   }
 
diff --git a/desktop/src/shared/lib/clipboard.ts b/desktop/src/shared/lib/clipboard.ts
index 93e2bed44e..25a06fa259 100644
--- a/desktop/src/shared/lib/clipboard.ts
+++ b/desktop/src/shared/lib/clipboard.ts
@@ -17,6 +17,6 @@ export function copyTextToClipboard(
       toast.success(successMessage);
     })
     .catch(() => {
-      toast.error("Failed to copy to clipboard");
+      toast.error("Couldn't copy to clipboard");
     });
 }
diff --git a/desktop/src/shared/lib/localStorageQuota.ts b/desktop/src/shared/lib/localStorageQuota.ts
index bf194a6cc8..39dab9f1a5 100644
--- a/desktop/src/shared/lib/localStorageQuota.ts
+++ b/desktop/src/shared/lib/localStorageQuota.ts
@@ -38,9 +38,9 @@ function notifyStorageFull(): void {
   // Dynamic import keeps this module usable from node unit tests.
   import("sonner")
     .then(({ toast }) => {
-      toast.error("Local storage is full", {
+      toast.error("Storage is full", {
         description:
-          "Buzz could not save some local data — read positions may not persist across restarts.",
+          "Buzz couldn't save some data. Recent changes may be lost when you restart.",
       });
     })
     .catch(() => {});
diff --git a/desktop/src/shared/ui/markdown.tsx b/desktop/src/shared/ui/markdown.tsx
index b1f9623f3e..6afe400ea6 100644
--- a/desktop/src/shared/ui/markdown.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/shared/ui/markdown.tsx
@@ -1165,7 +1165,7 @@ function ImageBlock({ alt, dim, resolvedSrc, src, thumbSrc }: ImageBlockProps) {
         toast.success("Copied to clipboard");
       })
       .catch((err: unknown) => {
-        const msg = err instanceof Error ? err.message : "Copy failed";
+        const msg = err instanceof Error ? err.message : "Couldn't copy";
         toast.error(msg);
       });
   }, []);
@@ -1176,7 +1176,7 @@ function ImageBlock({ alt, dim, resolvedSrc, src, thumbSrc }: ImageBlockProps) {
       if (!downloadSrc) return;
       invokeTauri("download_image", { url: downloadSrc }).catch(
         (err: unknown) => {
-          const msg = err instanceof Error ? err.message : "Download failed";
+          const msg = err instanceof Error ? err.message : "Couldn't download";
           toast.error(msg);
         },
       );
@@ -1332,7 +1332,7 @@ function ExternalLinkAnchor({
               onSelect: () => {
                 closeMenu();
                 void openUrl(href).catch(() => {
-                  toast.error("Failed to open link");
+                  toast.error("Couldn't open link");
                 });
               },
             },
diff --git a/desktop/src/shared/ui/markdown/CodeBlock.tsx b/desktop/src/shared/ui/markdown/CodeBlock.tsx
index 06f9fb4c4b..faa3777d61 100644
--- a/desktop/src/shared/ui/markdown/CodeBlock.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/shared/ui/markdown/CodeBlock.tsx
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ export function MarkdownCodeBlock({
         toast.success("Copied code to clipboard");
       } catch (error) {
         console.error("Failed to copy code block", error);
-        toast.error("Failed to copy code");
+        toast.error("Couldn't copy code");
       } finally {
         setIsCopying(false);
       }
diff --git a/desktop/src/shared/ui/markdown/FileCard.tsx b/desktop/src/shared/ui/markdown/FileCard.tsx
index 889847193e..4015662e34 100644
--- a/desktop/src/shared/ui/markdown/FileCard.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/shared/ui/markdown/FileCard.tsx
@@ -49,7 +49,8 @@ export function FileCard({
       onClick={() => {
         invokeTauri("download_file", { url: href, filename }).catch(
           (err: unknown) => {
-            const msg = err instanceof Error ? err.message : "Download failed";
+            const msg =
+              err instanceof Error ? err.message : "Couldn't download";
             toast.error(msg);
           },
         );
diff --git a/desktop/src/shared/ui/useVideoContextMenu.tsx b/desktop/src/shared/ui/useVideoContextMenu.tsx
index ec6c5791f7..91f1998dd7 100644
--- a/desktop/src/shared/ui/useVideoContextMenu.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/shared/ui/useVideoContextMenu.tsx
@@ -55,7 +55,9 @@ export function useVideoContextMenu(
             url: downloadUrl,
             filename: resolveVideoDownloadFilename(filename),
           }).catch((err: unknown) => {
-            toast.error(err instanceof Error ? err.message : "Download failed");
+            toast.error(
+              err instanceof Error ? err.message : "Couldn't download",
+            );
           });
         },
       });