diff --git a/README b/README
index 7b6d20803c97..a7e97b027b39 100644
--- a/README
+++ b/README
@@ -35,8 +35,9 @@ crypto		Cryptography stuff (see crypto/README).
 
 etc		Template files for /etc.
 
-gnu		Various commands and libraries under the GNU General Public
-		License.  Please see gnu/COPYING* for more information.
+gnu		Commands and libraries under the GNU General Public License
+		(GPL) or Lesser General Public License (LGPL).  Please see
+		gnu/COPYING* for more information.
 
 include		System include files.
 
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 72bd634cd813..632b4542c064 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -37,8 +37,9 @@ crypto		Cryptography stuff (see crypto/README).
 
 etc		Template files for /etc.
 
-gnu		Various commands and libraries under the GNU Public License.
-		Please see gnu/COPYING* for more information.
+gnu		Commands and libraries under the GNU General Public License
+		(GPL) or Lesser General Public License (LGPL).  Please see
+		gnu/COPYING* for more information.
 
 include		System include files.