diff --git a/britney.conf b/britney.conf
index ccf505a..4af20ed 100644
--- a/britney.conf
+++ b/britney.conf
@@ -53,4 +53,7 @@ HINTS_SATBRITNEY  = easy
 
 # support for old libraries in testing (smooth update)
 # use ALL to enable smooth updates for all the sections
-SMOOTH_UPDATES    = libs oldlibs
+#
+# naming a non-existent section will effectively disable new smooth
+# updates but still allow removals to occur
+SMOOTH_UPDATES    = badgers