diff --git a/apps/launcher/advancedpage.cpp b/apps/launcher/advancedpage.cpp
index 73aec4cdae..0f28c28b70 100644
--- a/apps/launcher/advancedpage.cpp
+++ b/apps/launcher/advancedpage.cpp
@@ -164,7 +164,7 @@ bool Launcher::AdvancedPage::loadSettings()
 
     // Audio
     {
-        std::string selectedAudioDevice = Settings::Manager::getString("device", "Sound");
+        const std::string& selectedAudioDevice = Settings::Manager::getString("device", "Sound");
         if (selectedAudioDevice.empty() == false)
         {
             int audioDeviceIndex = audioDeviceSelectorComboBox->findData(QString::fromStdString(selectedAudioDevice));
@@ -178,7 +178,7 @@ bool Launcher::AdvancedPage::loadSettings()
         {
             enableHRTFComboBox->setCurrentIndex(hrtfEnabledIndex + 1);
         }
-        std::string selectedHRTFProfile = Settings::Manager::getString("hrtf", "Sound");
+        const std::string& selectedHRTFProfile = Settings::Manager::getString("hrtf", "Sound");
         if (selectedHRTFProfile.empty() == false)
         {
             int hrtfProfileIndex = hrtfProfileSelectorComboBox->findData(QString::fromStdString(selectedHRTFProfile));
@@ -323,7 +323,7 @@ void Launcher::AdvancedPage::saveSettings()
     // Audio
     {
         int audioDeviceIndex = audioDeviceSelectorComboBox->currentIndex();
-        std::string prevAudioDevice = Settings::Manager::getString("device", "Sound");
+        const std::string& prevAudioDevice = Settings::Manager::getString("device", "Sound");
         if (audioDeviceIndex != 0)
         {
             const std::string& newAudioDevice = audioDeviceSelectorComboBox->currentText().toUtf8().constData();
@@ -340,7 +340,7 @@ void Launcher::AdvancedPage::saveSettings()
             Settings::Manager::setInt("hrtf enable", "Sound", hrtfEnabledIndex);
         }
         int selectedHRTFProfileIndex = hrtfProfileSelectorComboBox->currentIndex();
-        std::string prevHRTFProfile = Settings::Manager::getString("hrtf", "Sound");
+        const std::string& prevHRTFProfile = Settings::Manager::getString("hrtf", "Sound");
         if (selectedHRTFProfileIndex != 0)
         {
             const std::string& newHRTFProfile  = hrtfProfileSelectorComboBox->currentText().toUtf8().constData();
diff --git a/apps/opencs/model/prefs/modifiersetting.cpp b/apps/opencs/model/prefs/modifiersetting.cpp
index aa8b651547..1e4d29f1b6 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/model/prefs/modifiersetting.cpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/model/prefs/modifiersetting.cpp
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ namespace CSMPrefs
     {
         if (mButton)
         {
-            std::string shortcut = Settings::Manager::getString(getKey(), getParent()->getKey());
+            const std::string& shortcut = Settings::Manager::getString(getKey(), getParent()->getKey());
 
             int modifier;
             State::get().getShortcutManager().convertFromString(shortcut, modifier);
diff --git a/apps/opencs/model/prefs/shortcutsetting.cpp b/apps/opencs/model/prefs/shortcutsetting.cpp
index 0d5f9c039a..44260b8cb0 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/model/prefs/shortcutsetting.cpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/model/prefs/shortcutsetting.cpp
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ namespace CSMPrefs
     {
         if (mButton)
         {
-            std::string shortcut = Settings::Manager::getString(getKey(), getParent()->getKey());
+            const std::string& shortcut = Settings::Manager::getString(getKey(), getParent()->getKey());
 
             QKeySequence sequence;
             State::get().getShortcutManager().convertFromString(shortcut, sequence);
diff --git a/apps/opencs/model/world/columns.cpp b/apps/opencs/model/world/columns.cpp
index fef5d99659..050b65a36a 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/model/world/columns.cpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/model/world/columns.cpp
@@ -629,7 +629,7 @@ std::vector<std::pair<int,std::string>>CSMWorld::Columns::getEnums (ColumnId col
     {
         for (int i=0; i<8; i++)
         {
-            const std::string& bloodName = Fallback::Map::getString("Blood_Texture_Name_" + std::to_string(i));
+            std::string_view bloodName = Fallback::Map::getString("Blood_Texture_Name_" + std::to_string(i));
             if (!bloodName.empty())
                 enums.emplace_back(i, bloodName);
         }
diff --git a/apps/opencs/view/render/cellwater.cpp b/apps/opencs/view/render/cellwater.cpp
index 74eb4dddfc..9681e5cdce 100644
--- a/apps/opencs/view/render/cellwater.cpp
+++ b/apps/opencs/view/render/cellwater.cpp
@@ -162,8 +162,9 @@ namespace CSVRender
         mWaterGeometry->setStateSet(SceneUtil::createSimpleWaterStateSet(Alpha, RenderBin));
 
         // Add water texture
-        std::string textureName = Fallback::Map::getString("Water_SurfaceTexture");
-        textureName = "textures/water/" + textureName + "00.dds";
+        std::string textureName = "textures/water/";
+        textureName += Fallback::Map::getString("Water_SurfaceTexture");
+        textureName += "00.dds";
 
         Resource::ImageManager* imageManager = mData.getResourceSystem()->getImageManager();
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/engine.cpp b/apps/openmw/engine.cpp
index 47a400d297..067fe50100 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/engine.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/engine.cpp
@@ -850,7 +850,7 @@ void OMW::Engine::prepareEngine()
 
     if (!mSkipMenu)
     {
-        const std::string& logo = Fallback::Map::getString("Movies_Company_Logo");
+        std::string_view logo = Fallback::Map::getString("Movies_Company_Logo");
         if (!logo.empty())
             mWindowManager->playVideo(logo, true);
     }
@@ -1069,7 +1069,7 @@ void OMW::Engine::go()
         // start in main menu
         mWindowManager->pushGuiMode (MWGui::GM_MainMenu);
         mSoundManager->playTitleMusic();
-        const std::string& logo = Fallback::Map::getString("Movies_Morrowind_Logo");
+        std::string_view logo = Fallback::Map::getString("Movies_Morrowind_Logo");
         if (!logo.empty())
             mWindowManager->playVideo(logo, /*allowSkipping*/true, /*overrideSounds*/false);
     }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwbase/windowmanager.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwbase/windowmanager.hpp
index e3a1a0c725..95eb3e68df 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwbase/windowmanager.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwbase/windowmanager.hpp
@@ -108,7 +108,7 @@ namespace MWBase
 
             /// @note This method will block until the video finishes playing
             /// (and will continually update the window while doing so)
-            virtual void playVideo(const std::string& name, bool allowSkipping, bool overrideSounds = true) = 0;
+            virtual void playVideo(std::string_view name, bool allowSkipping, bool overrideSounds = true) = 0;
 
             virtual void setNewGame(bool newgame) = 0;
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/weapon.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/weapon.cpp
index 464a331581..9dbdbfecb0 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/weapon.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/weapon.cpp
@@ -163,7 +163,7 @@ namespace MWClass
             text += "\n#{sType} ";
 
             int skill = MWMechanics::getWeaponType(ref->mBase->mData.mType)->mSkill;
-            const std::string type = ESM::Skill::sSkillNameIds[skill];
+            const std::string& type = ESM::Skill::sSkillNameIds[skill];
             std::string_view oneOrTwoHanded;
             if (weaponType->mWeaponClass == ESM::WeaponType::Melee)
             {
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/charactercreation.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/charactercreation.cpp
index b817decad3..c715db6c7a 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/charactercreation.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/charactercreation.cpp
@@ -45,10 +45,10 @@ namespace
     {
         number++;
 
-        std::string question = Fallback::Map::getString("Question_" + MyGUI::utility::toString(number) + "_Question");
-        std::string answer0 = Fallback::Map::getString("Question_" + MyGUI::utility::toString(number) + "_AnswerOne");
-        std::string answer1 = Fallback::Map::getString("Question_" + MyGUI::utility::toString(number) + "_AnswerTwo");
-        std::string answer2 = Fallback::Map::getString("Question_" + MyGUI::utility::toString(number) + "_AnswerThree");
+        std::string question{Fallback::Map::getString("Question_" + MyGUI::utility::toString(number) + "_Question")};
+        std::string answer0{Fallback::Map::getString("Question_" + MyGUI::utility::toString(number) + "_AnswerOne")};
+        std::string answer1{Fallback::Map::getString("Question_" + MyGUI::utility::toString(number) + "_AnswerTwo")};
+        std::string answer2{Fallback::Map::getString("Question_" + MyGUI::utility::toString(number) + "_AnswerThree")};
         std::string sound = "vo\\misc\\chargen qa" + MyGUI::utility::toString(number) + ".wav";
 
         Response r0 = {answer0, ESM::Class::Combat};
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/dialogue.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/dialogue.cpp
index 9acb043820..080a9f6fd0 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/dialogue.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/dialogue.cpp
@@ -768,8 +768,8 @@ namespace MWGui
         if (!Settings::Manager::getBool("color topic enable", "GUI"))
             return;
 
-        std::string specialColour = Settings::Manager::getString("color topic specific", "GUI");
-        std::string oldColour = Settings::Manager::getString("color topic exhausted", "GUI");
+        const std::string& specialColour = Settings::Manager::getString("color topic specific", "GUI");
+        const std::string& oldColour = Settings::Manager::getString("color topic exhausted", "GUI");
 
         for (const std::string& keyword : mKeywords)
         {
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/hud.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/hud.cpp
index 9c4c4a1b7e..1d6b981bcd 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/hud.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/hud.cpp
@@ -393,7 +393,7 @@ namespace MWGui
         const ESM::Spell* spell =
             MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().get<ESM::Spell>().find(spellId);
 
-        std::string spellName = spell->mName;
+        const std::string& spellName = spell->mName;
         if (spellName != mSpellName && mSpellVisible)
         {
             mWeaponSpellTimer = 5.0f;
@@ -463,7 +463,7 @@ namespace MWGui
 
     void HUD::unsetSelectedSpell()
     {
-        std::string spellName = "#{sNone}";
+        std::string_view spellName = "#{sNone}";
         if (spellName != mSpellName && mSpellVisible)
         {
             mWeaponSpellTimer = 5.0f;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/inventorywindow.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/inventorywindow.cpp
index e7e30b76cf..1dfaa0d047 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/inventorywindow.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/inventorywindow.cpp
@@ -791,7 +791,7 @@ namespace MWGui
 
         int incr = next ? 1 : -1;
         bool found = false;
-        std::string lastId;
+        std::string_view lastId;
         if (selected != -1)
             lastId = model.getItem(selected).mBase.getCellRef().getRefId();
         ItemModel::ModelIndex cycled = selected;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/levelupdialog.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/levelupdialog.cpp
index 14de3fd274..a4609ec16a 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/levelupdialog.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/levelupdialog.cpp
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@
 #include "../mwmechanics/actorutil.hpp"
 
 #include "class.hpp"
+#include "ustring.hpp"
 
 namespace MWGui
 {
@@ -138,13 +139,13 @@ namespace MWGui
         int level = creatureStats.getLevel ()+1;
         mLevelText->setCaptionWithReplacing("#{sLevelUpMenu1} " + MyGUI::utility::toString(level));
 
-        std::string levelupdescription;
+        std::string_view levelupdescription;
         levelupdescription = Fallback::Map::getString("Level_Up_Level"+MyGUI::utility::toString(level));
 
-        if (levelupdescription == "")
+        if (levelupdescription.empty())
             levelupdescription = Fallback::Map::getString("Level_Up_Default");
 
-        mLevelDescription->setCaption (levelupdescription);
+        mLevelDescription->setCaption(toUString(levelupdescription));
 
         unsigned int availableAttributes = 0;
         for (int i = 0; i < 8; ++i)
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/mainmenu.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/mainmenu.cpp
index 8fff838add..d77a2d0bcd 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/mainmenu.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/mainmenu.cpp
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ namespace MWGui
     {
         MWBase::WindowManager *winMgr = MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager();
 
-        std::string name = *sender->getUserData<std::string>();
+        const std::string& name = *sender->getUserData<std::string>();
         winMgr->playSound("Menu Click");
         if (name == "return")
         {
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/postprocessorhud.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/postprocessorhud.cpp
index fc77f1e841..b7a25405b2 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/postprocessorhud.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/postprocessorhud.cpp
@@ -287,16 +287,16 @@ namespace MWGui
         while (mConfigArea->getChildCount() > 0)
             MyGUI::Gui::getInstance().destroyWidget(mConfigArea->getChildAt(0));
 
-        mShaderInfo->setCaption("");
+        mShaderInfo->setCaption({});
 
         std::ostringstream ss;
 
-        const std::string NA = "#{Interface:NotAvailableShort}";
-        const std::string endl = "\n";
+        const std::string_view NA = "#{Interface:NotAvailableShort}";
+        const char endl = '\n';
 
-        std::string author = technique->getAuthor().empty() ? NA : std::string(technique->getAuthor());
-        std::string version = technique->getVersion().empty() ? NA : std::string(technique->getVersion());
-        std::string description = technique->getDescription().empty() ? NA : std::string(technique->getDescription());
+        std::string_view author = technique->getAuthor().empty() ? NA : technique->getAuthor();
+        std::string_view version = technique->getVersion().empty() ? NA : technique->getVersion();
+        std::string_view description = technique->getDescription().empty() ? NA : technique->getDescription();
 
         auto serializeBool = [](bool value) {
             return value ? "#{sYes}" : "#{sNo}";
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/recharge.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/recharge.cpp
index 3b3a754468..4c6a80540d 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/recharge.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/recharge.cpp
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ void Recharge::updateView()
 {
     MWWorld::Ptr gem = *mGemIcon->getUserData<MWWorld::Ptr>();
 
-    std::string soul = gem.getCellRef().getSoul();
+    const std::string& soul = gem.getCellRef().getSoul();
     const ESM::Creature *creature = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().get<ESM::Creature>().find(soul);
 
     mChargeLabel->setCaptionWithReplacing("#{sCharges} " + MyGUI::utility::toString(creature->mData.mSoul));
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/savegamedialog.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/savegamedialog.cpp
index 15ead5d887..86295e3e82 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/savegamedialog.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/savegamedialog.cpp
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@
 #include "../mwstate/character.hpp"
 
 #include "confirmationdialog.hpp"
+#include "ustring.hpp"
 
 namespace MWGui
 {
@@ -176,7 +177,7 @@ namespace MWGui
 
                 // For a custom class, we will not find it in the store (unless we loaded the savegame first).
                 // Fall back to name stored in savegame header in that case.
-                std::string className;
+                std::string_view className;
                 if (it->getSignature().mPlayerClassId.empty())
                     className = it->getSignature().mPlayerClassName;
                 else
@@ -190,7 +191,7 @@ namespace MWGui
                         className = "?"; // From an older savegame format that did not support custom classes properly.
                 }
 
-                title << " (#{sLevel} " << it->getSignature().mPlayerLevel << " " << MyGUI::TextIterator::toTagsString(className) << ")";
+                title << " (#{sLevel} " << it->getSignature().mPlayerLevel << " " << MyGUI::TextIterator::toTagsString(toUString(className)) << ")";
 
                 mCharacterSelection->addItem (MyGUI::LanguageManager::getInstance().replaceTags(title.str()));
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/settingswindow.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/settingswindow.cpp
index a646324c13..a249f1e203 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/settingswindow.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/settingswindow.cpp
@@ -238,7 +238,7 @@ namespace MWGui
         , mCurrentPage(-1)
     {
         bool terrain = Settings::Manager::getBool("distant terrain", "Terrain");
-        const std::string widgetName = terrain ? "RenderingDistanceSlider" : "LargeRenderingDistanceSlider";
+        const std::string_view widgetName = terrain ? "RenderingDistanceSlider" : "LargeRenderingDistanceSlider";
         MyGUI::Widget* unusedSlider;
         getWidget(unusedSlider, widgetName);
         unusedSlider->setVisible(false);
@@ -338,7 +338,7 @@ namespace MWGui
         }
         highlightCurrentResolution();
 
-        std::string tmip = Settings::Manager::getString("texture mipmap", "General");
+        const std::string& tmip = Settings::Manager::getString("texture mipmap", "General");
         mTextureFilteringButton->setCaptionWithReplacing(textureMipmappingToStr(tmip));
 
         int waterTextureSize = Settings::Manager::getInt("rtt size", "Water");
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/spellbuyingwindow.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/spellbuyingwindow.cpp
index 7bd56c878d..dae157f511 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/spellbuyingwindow.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/spellbuyingwindow.cpp
@@ -34,10 +34,7 @@ namespace MWGui
 
     bool SpellBuyingWindow::sortSpells (const ESM::Spell* left, const ESM::Spell* right)
     {
-        std::string leftName = Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase(left->mName);
-        std::string rightName = Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase(right->mName);
-
-        return leftName.compare(rightName) < 0;
+        return Misc::StringUtils::ciLess(left->mName, right->mName);
     }
 
     void SpellBuyingWindow::addSpell(const ESM::Spell& spell)
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/spellcreationdialog.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/spellcreationdialog.cpp
index 02b6ab8db6..a54c5c87f3 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/spellcreationdialog.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/spellcreationdialog.cpp
@@ -555,7 +555,7 @@ namespace MWGui
 
         for (const short effectId : knownEffects)
         {
-            std::string name = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld ()->getStore ().get<ESM::GameSetting>().find(
+            const std::string& name = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld ()->getStore ().get<ESM::GameSetting>().find(
                                                ESM::MagicEffect::effectIdToString(effectId))->mValue.getString();
             MyGUI::Widget* w = mAvailableEffectsList->getItemWidget(name);
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/spellicons.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/spellicons.cpp
index 2f1da5857c..60ea47683b 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/spellicons.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/spellicons.cpp
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ namespace MWGui
                     image->setImageTexture(Misc::ResourceHelpers::correctIconPath(effect->mIcon,
                         MWBase::Environment::get().getResourceSystem()->getVFS()));
 
-                    std::string name = ESM::MagicEffect::effectIdToString (effectId);
+                    const std::string& name = ESM::MagicEffect::effectIdToString(effectId);
 
                     ToolTipInfo tooltipInfo;
                     tooltipInfo.caption = "#{" + name + "}";
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/spellwindow.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/spellwindow.cpp
index c39341aeb4..20db95fc19 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/spellwindow.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/spellwindow.cpp
@@ -147,7 +147,7 @@ namespace MWGui
             MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().get<ESM::Spell>().find(spellId);
 
         MWWorld::Ptr player = MWMechanics::getPlayer();
-        std::string raceId = player.get<ESM::NPC>()->mBase->mRace;
+        const std::string& raceId = player.get<ESM::NPC>()->mBase->mRace;
         const ESM::Race* race = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().get<ESM::Race>().find(raceId);
         // can't delete racial spells, birthsign spells or powers
         bool isInherent = race->mPowers.exists(spell->mId) || spell->mData.mType == ESM::Spell::ST_Power;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/tooltips.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/tooltips.cpp
index 353a88004e..94c4288ddf 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/tooltips.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/tooltips.cpp
@@ -400,9 +400,9 @@ namespace MWGui
         else
             mDynamicToolTipBox->changeWidgetSkin(MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->isGuiMode() ? "HUD_Box_NoTransp" : "HUD_Box");
 
-        std::string caption = info.caption;
-        std::string image = info.icon;
-        int imageSize = (image != "") ? info.imageSize : 0;
+        const std::string& caption = info.caption;
+        const std::string& image = info.icon;
+        int imageSize = (!image.empty()) ? info.imageSize : 0;
         std::string text = info.text;
 
         // remove the first newline (easier this way)
@@ -411,7 +411,7 @@ namespace MWGui
 
         const ESM::Enchantment* enchant = nullptr;
         const MWWorld::ESMStore& store = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore();
-        if (info.enchant != "")
+        if (!info.enchant.empty())
         {
             enchant = store.get<ESM::Enchantment>().search(info.enchant);
             if (enchant)
@@ -432,8 +432,8 @@ namespace MWGui
 
         const MyGUI::IntPoint padding(8, 8);
 
-        const int imageCaptionHPadding = (caption != "" ? 8 : 0);
-        const int imageCaptionVPadding = (caption != "" ? 4 : 0);
+        const int imageCaptionHPadding = !caption.empty() ? 8 : 0;
+        const int imageCaptionVPadding = !caption.empty() ? 4 : 0;
 
         const int maximumWidth = MyGUI::RenderManager::getInstance().getViewSize().width - imageCaptionHPadding * 2;
 
@@ -446,7 +446,7 @@ namespace MWGui
         captionWidget->setCaptionWithReplacing(caption);
         MyGUI::IntSize captionSize = captionWidget->getTextSize();
 
-        int captionHeight = std::max(caption != "" ? captionSize.height : 0, imageSize);
+        int captionHeight = std::max(!caption.empty() ? captionSize.height : 0, imageSize);
 
         Gui::EditBox* textWidget = mDynamicToolTipBox->createWidget<Gui::EditBox>("SandText", MyGUI::IntCoord(0, captionHeight+imageCaptionVPadding, 300, 300-captionHeight-imageCaptionVPadding), MyGUI::Align::Stretch, "ToolTipText");
         textWidget->setEditStatic(true);
@@ -458,8 +458,8 @@ namespace MWGui
         MyGUI::IntSize textSize = textWidget->getTextSize();
 
         captionSize += MyGUI::IntSize(imageSize, 0); // adjust for image
-        MyGUI::IntSize totalSize = MyGUI::IntSize( std::min(std::max(textSize.width,captionSize.width + ((image != "") ? imageCaptionHPadding : 0)),maximumWidth),
-            ((text != "") ? textSize.height + imageCaptionVPadding : 0) + captionHeight );
+        MyGUI::IntSize totalSize = MyGUI::IntSize( std::min(std::max(textSize.width,captionSize.width + ((!image.empty()) ? imageCaptionHPadding : 0)),maximumWidth),
+            (!text.empty() ? textSize.height + imageCaptionVPadding : 0) + captionHeight );
 
         for (const std::string& note : info.notes)
         {
@@ -578,7 +578,7 @@ namespace MWGui
 
         textWidget->setPosition (textWidget->getPosition() + MyGUI::IntPoint(0, padding.top)); // only apply vertical padding, the horizontal works automatically due to Align::HCenter
 
-        if (image != "")
+        if (!image.empty())
         {
             MyGUI::ImageBox* imageWidget = mDynamicToolTipBox->createWidget<MyGUI::ImageBox>("ImageBox",
                 MyGUI::IntCoord((totalSize.width - captionSize.width - imageCaptionHPadding)/2, 0, imageSize, imageSize),
@@ -611,7 +611,7 @@ namespace MWGui
     std::string ToolTips::getWeightString(const float weight, const std::string& prefix)
     {
         if (weight == 0)
-            return "";
+            return {};
         else
             return "\n" + prefix + ": " + toString(weight);
     }
@@ -619,7 +619,7 @@ namespace MWGui
     std::string ToolTips::getPercentString(const float value, const std::string& prefix)
     {
         if (value == 0)
-            return "";
+            return {};
         else
             return "\n" + prefix + ": " + toString(value*100) +"%";
     }
@@ -627,15 +627,15 @@ namespace MWGui
     std::string ToolTips::getValueString(const int value, const std::string& prefix)
     {
         if (value == 0)
-            return "";
+            return {};
         else
             return "\n" + prefix + ": " + toString(value);
     }
 
     std::string ToolTips::getMiscString(const std::string& text, const std::string& prefix)
     {
-        if (text == "")
-            return "";
+        if (text.empty())
+            return {};
         else
             return "\n" + prefix + ": " + text;
     }
@@ -643,7 +643,7 @@ namespace MWGui
     std::string ToolTips::getCountString(const int value)
     {
         if (value == 1)
-            return "";
+            return {};
         else
             return " (" + MyGUI::utility::toString(value) + ")";
     }
@@ -652,11 +652,11 @@ namespace MWGui
     {
         const std::string& soul = cellref.getSoul();
         if (soul.empty())
-            return std::string();
+            return {};
         const MWWorld::ESMStore &store = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore();
         const ESM::Creature *creature = store.get<ESM::Creature>().search(soul);
         if (!creature)
-            return std::string();
+            return {};
         if (creature->mName.empty())
             return " (" + creature->mId + ")";
         return " (" + creature->mName + ")";
@@ -677,7 +677,7 @@ namespace MWGui
                 if (cellref.getFactionRank() >= 0)
                 {
                     int rank = cellref.getFactionRank();
-                    const std::string rankName = fact->mRanks[rank];
+                    const std::string& rankName = fact->mRanks[rank];
                     if (rankName.empty())
                         ret += getValueString(cellref.getFactionRank(), "Rank");
                     else
@@ -802,9 +802,9 @@ namespace MWGui
         if (attributeId == -1)
             return;
 
-        std::string icon = ESM::Attribute::sAttributeIcons[attributeId];
-        std::string name = ESM::Attribute::sGmstAttributeIds[attributeId];
-        std::string desc = ESM::Attribute::sGmstAttributeDescIds[attributeId];
+        const std::string& icon = ESM::Attribute::sAttributeIcons[attributeId];
+        const std::string& name = ESM::Attribute::sGmstAttributeIds[attributeId];
+        const std::string& desc = ESM::Attribute::sGmstAttributeDescIds[attributeId];
 
         widget->setUserString("ToolTipType", "Layout");
         widget->setUserString("ToolTipLayout", "AttributeToolTip");
@@ -850,12 +850,9 @@ namespace MWGui
         widget->setUserString("ToolTipType", "Layout");
         widget->setUserString("ToolTipLayout", "BirthSignToolTip");
         widget->setUserString("ImageTexture_BirthSignImage", Misc::ResourceHelpers::correctTexturePath(sign->mTexture, vfs));
-        std::string text;
+        std::string text = sign->mName + "\n#{fontcolourhtml=normal}" + sign->mDescription;
 
-        text += sign->mName;
-        text += "\n#{fontcolourhtml=normal}" + sign->mDescription;
-
-        std::vector<std::string> abilities, powers, spells;
+        std::vector<const ESM::Spell*> abilities, powers, spells;
 
         for (const std::string& spellId : sign->mPowers.mList)
         {
@@ -867,35 +864,27 @@ namespace MWGui
                 continue; // We only want spell, ability and powers.
 
             if (type == ESM::Spell::ST_Ability)
-                abilities.push_back(spellId);
+                abilities.push_back(spell);
             else if (type == ESM::Spell::ST_Power)
-                powers.push_back(spellId);
+                powers.push_back(spell);
             else if (type == ESM::Spell::ST_Spell)
-                spells.push_back(spellId);
-        }
-
-        struct {
-            const std::vector<std::string> &spells;
-            std::string label;
+                spells.push_back(spell);
         }
-        categories[3] = {
-            {abilities, "sBirthsignmenu1"},
-            {powers,    "sPowers"},
-            {spells,    "sBirthsignmenu2"}
-        };
 
-        for (int category = 0; category < 3; ++category)
+        using Category = std::pair<const std::vector<const ESM::Spell*>&, std::string_view>;
+        for (const auto&[category, label] : std::initializer_list<Category>{{abilities, "sBirthsignmenu1"}, {powers, "sPowers"}, {spells, "sBirthsignmenu2"}})
         {
             bool addHeader = true;
-            for (const std::string& spellId : categories[category].spells)
+            for (const ESM::Spell* spell : category)
             {
                 if (addHeader)
                 {
-                    text += std::string("\n\n#{fontcolourhtml=header}") + std::string("#{") + categories[category].label + "}";
+                    text += "\n\n#{fontcolourhtml=header}#{";
+                    text += label;
+                    text += '}';
                     addHeader = false;
                 }
 
-                const ESM::Spell *spell = store.get<ESM::Spell>().find(spellId);
                 text += "\n#{fontcolourhtml=normal}" + spell->mName;
             }
         }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.cpp
index 22833c4796..600e77ae51 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.cpp
@@ -1806,9 +1806,9 @@ namespace MWGui
                 && (!isGuiMode() || (mGuiModes.size() == 1 && (getMode() == GM_MainMenu || getMode() == GM_Rest)));
     }
 
-    void WindowManager::playVideo(const std::string &name, bool allowSkipping, bool overrideSounds)
+    void WindowManager::playVideo(std::string_view name, bool allowSkipping, bool overrideSounds)
     {
-        mVideoWidget->playVideo("video\\" + name);
+        mVideoWidget->playVideo("video\\" + std::string{name});
 
         mVideoWidget->eventKeyButtonPressed.clear();
         mVideoBackground->eventKeyButtonPressed.clear();
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.hpp
index 14a7f89115..0b506d17a2 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/windowmanagerimp.hpp
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ namespace MWGui
 
     /// @note This method will block until the video finishes playing
     /// (and will continually update the window while doing so)
-    void playVideo(const std::string& name, bool allowSkipping, bool overrideSounds = true) override;
+    void playVideo(std::string_view name, bool allowSkipping, bool overrideSounds = true) override;
 
     /// Warning: do not use MyGUI::InputManager::setKeyFocusWidget directly. Instead use this.
     void setKeyFocusWidget (MyGUI::Widget* widget) override;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aipackage.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aipackage.cpp
index 58e8c4d901..edaa481f10 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aipackage.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/aipackage.cpp
@@ -300,7 +300,7 @@ void MWMechanics::AiPackage::openDoors(const MWWorld::Ptr& actor)
             return;
         }
 
-        const std::string keyId = door.getCellRef().getKey();
+        const std::string& keyId = door.getCellRef().getKey();
         if (keyId.empty())
             return;
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/disease.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/disease.hpp
index 034561ad92..e182886059 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/disease.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/disease.hpp
@@ -60,8 +60,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
                 actor.getClass().getCreatureStats(actor).getSpells().add(spell);
                 MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->applyLoopingParticles(actor);
 
-                std::string msg = "sMagicContractDisease";
-                msg = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().get<ESM::GameSetting>().find(msg)->mValue.getString();
+                std::string msg = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().get<ESM::GameSetting>().find("sMagicContractDisease")->mValue.getString();
                 msg = Misc::StringUtils::format(msg, spell->mName);
                 MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->messageBox(msg);
             }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwrender/effectmanager.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwrender/effectmanager.cpp
index 371f488c3d..6b1543eda9 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwrender/effectmanager.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwrender/effectmanager.cpp
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ EffectManager::~EffectManager()
     clear();
 }
 
-void EffectManager::addEffect(const std::string &model, const std::string& textureOverride, const osg::Vec3f &worldPosition, float scale, bool isMagicVFX)
+void EffectManager::addEffect(const std::string& model, std::string_view textureOverride, const osg::Vec3f& worldPosition, float scale, bool isMagicVFX)
 {
     osg::ref_ptr<osg::Node> node = mResourceSystem->getSceneManager()->getInstance(model);
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwrender/effectmanager.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwrender/effectmanager.hpp
index 0d94a63c8f..f974a3a01e 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwrender/effectmanager.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwrender/effectmanager.hpp
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ namespace MWRender
         ~EffectManager();
 
         /// Add an effect. When it's finished playing, it will be removed automatically.
-        void addEffect (const std::string& model, const std::string& textureOverride, const osg::Vec3f& worldPosition, float scale, bool isMagicVFX = true);
+        void addEffect(const std::string& model, std::string_view textureOverride, const osg::Vec3f& worldPosition, float scale, bool isMagicVFX = true);
 
         void update(float dt);
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwrender/npcanimation.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwrender/npcanimation.cpp
index deb44c14d5..421a7e622f 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwrender/npcanimation.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwrender/npcanimation.cpp
@@ -514,7 +514,7 @@ void NpcAnimation::updateNpcBase()
 
     if(!is1stPerson)
     {
-        const std::string base = Settings::Manager::getString("xbaseanim", "Models");
+        const std::string& base = Settings::Manager::getString("xbaseanim", "Models");
         if (smodel != base && !isWerewolf)
             addAnimSource(base, smodel);
 
@@ -528,7 +528,7 @@ void NpcAnimation::updateNpcBase()
     }
     else
     {
-        const std::string base = Settings::Manager::getString("xbaseanim1st", "Models");
+        const std::string& base = Settings::Manager::getString("xbaseanim1st", "Models");
         if (smodel != base && !isWerewolf)
             addAnimSource(base, smodel);
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwrender/renderingmanager.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwrender/renderingmanager.cpp
index 1385147c4c..bf0d2e3baa 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwrender/renderingmanager.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwrender/renderingmanager.cpp
@@ -493,9 +493,9 @@ namespace MWRender
 
         mEffectManager = std::make_unique<EffectManager>(sceneRoot, mResourceSystem);
 
-        const std::string normalMapPattern = Settings::Manager::getString("normal map pattern", "Shaders");
-        const std::string heightMapPattern = Settings::Manager::getString("normal height map pattern", "Shaders");
-        const std::string specularMapPattern = Settings::Manager::getString("terrain specular map pattern", "Shaders");
+        const std::string& normalMapPattern = Settings::Manager::getString("normal map pattern", "Shaders");
+        const std::string& heightMapPattern = Settings::Manager::getString("normal height map pattern", "Shaders");
+        const std::string& specularMapPattern = Settings::Manager::getString("terrain specular map pattern", "Shaders");
         const bool useTerrainNormalMaps = Settings::Manager::getBool("auto use terrain normal maps", "Shaders");
         const bool useTerrainSpecularMaps = Settings::Manager::getBool("auto use terrain specular maps", "Shaders");
 
@@ -1174,7 +1174,7 @@ namespace MWRender
         mActorsPaths->updatePtr(old, updated);
     }
 
-    void RenderingManager::spawnEffect(const std::string &model, const std::string &texture, const osg::Vec3f &worldPosition, float scale, bool isMagicVFX)
+    void RenderingManager::spawnEffect(const std::string& model, std::string_view texture, const osg::Vec3f& worldPosition, float scale, bool isMagicVFX)
     {
         mEffectManager->addEffect(model, texture, worldPosition, scale, isMagicVFX);
     }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwrender/renderingmanager.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwrender/renderingmanager.hpp
index 83dfd32287..68a77c39f3 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwrender/renderingmanager.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwrender/renderingmanager.hpp
@@ -184,7 +184,7 @@ namespace MWRender
 
         SkyManager* getSkyManager();
 
-        void spawnEffect(const std::string &model, const std::string &texture, const osg::Vec3f &worldPosition, float scale = 1.f, bool isMagicVFX = true);
+        void spawnEffect(const std::string& model, std::string_view texture, const osg::Vec3f& worldPosition, float scale = 1.f, bool isMagicVFX = true);
 
         /// Clear all savegame-specific data
         void clear();
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwrender/ripplesimulation.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwrender/ripplesimulation.cpp
index 037ed4455f..0bb92cdd49 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwrender/ripplesimulation.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwrender/ripplesimulation.cpp
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ namespace
         if (rippleFrameCount <= 0)
             return;
 
-        const std::string& tex = Fallback::Map::getString("Water_RippleTexture");
+        std::string_view tex = Fallback::Map::getString("Water_RippleTexture");
 
         std::vector<osg::ref_ptr<osg::Texture2D> > textures;
         for (int i=0; i<rippleFrameCount; ++i)
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwrender/water.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwrender/water.cpp
index 159380b786..9e231db0e9 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwrender/water.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwrender/water.cpp
@@ -587,7 +587,7 @@ void Water::createSimpleWaterStateSet(osg::Node* node, float alpha)
     // Add animated textures
     std::vector<osg::ref_ptr<osg::Texture2D> > textures;
     const int frameCount = std::clamp(Fallback::Map::getInt("Water_SurfaceFrameCount"), 0, 320);
-    const std::string& texture = Fallback::Map::getString("Water_SurfaceTexture");
+    std::string_view texture = Fallback::Map::getString("Water_SurfaceTexture");
     for (int i=0; i<frameCount; ++i)
     {
         std::ostringstream texname;
@@ -734,7 +734,7 @@ Water::~Water()
 void Water::listAssetsToPreload(std::vector<std::string> &textures)
 {
     const int frameCount = std::clamp(Fallback::Map::getInt("Water_SurfaceFrameCount"), 0, 320);
-    const std::string& texture = Fallback::Map::getString("Water_SurfaceTexture");
+    std::string_view texture = Fallback::Map::getString("Water_SurfaceTexture");
     for (int i=0; i<frameCount; ++i)
     {
         std::ostringstream texname;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwscript/miscextensions.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwscript/miscextensions.cpp
index e91b211006..2563704fdc 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwscript/miscextensions.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwscript/miscextensions.cpp
@@ -210,7 +210,7 @@ namespace MWScript
 
             void execute (Interpreter::Runtime& runtime) override
             {
-                std::string name{runtime.getStringLiteral(runtime[0].mInteger)};
+                std::string_view name = runtime.getStringLiteral(runtime[0].mInteger);
                 runtime.pop();
 
                 bool allowSkipping = runtime[0].mInteger != 0;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwsound/soundmanagerimp.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwsound/soundmanagerimp.cpp
index 8b6c9f2ef9..3bd371ef8f 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwsound/soundmanagerimp.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwsound/soundmanagerimp.cpp
@@ -96,12 +96,12 @@ namespace MWSound
             return;
         }
 
-        std::string hrtfname = Settings::Manager::getString("hrtf", "Sound");
+        const std::string& hrtfname = Settings::Manager::getString("hrtf", "Sound");
         int hrtfstate = Settings::Manager::getInt("hrtf enable", "Sound");
         HrtfMode hrtfmode = hrtfstate < 0 ? HrtfMode::Auto :
                             hrtfstate > 0 ? HrtfMode::Enable : HrtfMode::Disable;
 
-        std::string devname = Settings::Manager::getString("device", "Sound");
+        const std::string& devname = Settings::Manager::getString("device", "Sound");
         if(!mOutput->init(devname, hrtfname, hrtfmode))
         {
             Log(Debug::Error) << "Failed to initialize audio output, sound disabled";
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/actionsoulgem.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/actionsoulgem.cpp
index b416581fa7..dae0a4503f 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/actionsoulgem.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/actionsoulgem.cpp
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
         }
 
         const auto& target = getTarget();
-        const std::string targetSoul = target.getCellRef().getSoul();
+        const std::string& targetSoul = target.getCellRef().getSoul();
 
         if (targetSoul.empty())
         {
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/containerstore.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/containerstore.cpp
index f1288ee548..5f6df78b50 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/containerstore.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/containerstore.cpp
@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@ void MWWorld::ContainerStore::storeStates (const CellRefList<T>& collection,
     }
 }
 
-const std::string MWWorld::ContainerStore::sGoldId = "gold_001";
+const std::string_view MWWorld::ContainerStore::sGoldId = "gold_001";
 
 MWWorld::ContainerStore::ContainerStore()
     : mListener(nullptr)
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/containerstore.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/containerstore.hpp
index f7f569ec97..94207e1df2 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/containerstore.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/containerstore.hpp
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
             static constexpr int Type_All = 0xffff;
 
-            static const std::string sGoldId;
+            static const std::string_view sGoldId;
 
         protected:
             ContainerStoreListener* mListener;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.cpp
index a98e1b841d..006825e3e6 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.cpp
@@ -271,7 +271,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
         if (!bypass)
         {
-            const std::string& video = Fallback::Map::getString("Movies_New_Game");
+            std::string_view video = Fallback::Map::getString("Movies_New_Game");
             if (!video.empty())
                 MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->playVideo(video, true);
         }
@@ -3713,12 +3713,12 @@ namespace MWWorld
         if (ptr == getPlayerPtr() && Settings::Manager::getBool("hit fader", "GUI"))
             return;
 
-        std::string texture = Fallback::Map::getString("Blood_Texture_" + std::to_string(ptr.getClass().getBloodTexture(ptr)));
+        std::string_view texture = Fallback::Map::getString("Blood_Texture_" + std::to_string(ptr.getClass().getBloodTexture(ptr)));
         if (texture.empty())
             texture = Fallback::Map::getString("Blood_Texture_0");
 
         std::string model = Misc::ResourceHelpers::correctMeshPath(
-            Fallback::Map::getString("Blood_Model_" + std::to_string(Misc::Rng::rollDice(3))), // [0, 2]
+            std::string{Fallback::Map::getString("Blood_Model_" + std::to_string(Misc::Rng::rollDice(3)))}, // [0, 2]
             mResourceSystem->getVFS());
 
         mRendering->spawnEffect(model, texture, worldPosition, 1.0f, false);
diff --git a/components/fallback/fallback.cpp b/components/fallback/fallback.cpp
index a151bd40b6..361f7b71fc 100644
--- a/components/fallback/fallback.cpp
+++ b/components/fallback/fallback.cpp
@@ -6,29 +6,31 @@
 
 namespace Fallback
 {
-    std::map<std::string,std::string> Map::mFallbackMap;
+    std::map<std::string, std::string, std::less<>> Map::mFallbackMap;
 
     void Map::init(const std::map<std::string,std::string>& fallback)
     {
-        mFallbackMap = fallback;
+        for(const auto& entry : fallback)
+            mFallbackMap.insert(entry);
     }
 
-    std::string Map::getString(const std::string& fall)
+    std::string_view Map::getString(std::string_view fall)
     {
-        std::map<std::string,std::string>::const_iterator it;
-        if ((it = mFallbackMap.find(fall)) == mFallbackMap.end())
+        auto it = mFallbackMap.find(fall);
+        if (it == mFallbackMap.end())
         {
-            return std::string();
+            return {};
         }
         return it->second;
     }
 
-    float Map::getFloat(const std::string& fall)
+    float Map::getFloat(std::string_view fall)
     {
-        const std::string& fallback = getString(fall);
+        std::string_view fallback = getString(fall);
         if (!fallback.empty())
         {
-            std::stringstream stream(fallback);
+            std::stringstream stream;
+            stream << fallback;
             float number = 0.f;
             stream >> number;
             return number;
@@ -37,12 +39,13 @@ namespace Fallback
         return 0;
     }
 
-    int Map::getInt(const std::string& fall)
+    int Map::getInt(std::string_view fall)
     {
-        const std::string& fallback = getString(fall);
+        std::string_view fallback = getString(fall);
         if (!fallback.empty())
         {
-            std::stringstream stream(fallback);
+            std::stringstream stream;
+            stream << fallback;
             int number = 0;
             stream >> number;
             return number;
@@ -51,15 +54,15 @@ namespace Fallback
         return 0;
     }
 
-    bool Map::getBool(const std::string& fall)
+    bool Map::getBool(std::string_view fall)
     {
-        const std::string& fallback = getString(fall);
+        std::string_view fallback = getString(fall);
         return !fallback.empty() && fallback != "0";
     }
 
-    osg::Vec4f Map::getColour(const std::string& fall)
+    osg::Vec4f Map::getColour(std::string_view fall)
     {
-        const std::string& sum = getString(fall);
+        std::string_view sum = getString(fall);
         if (!sum.empty())
         {
             try
diff --git a/components/fallback/fallback.hpp b/components/fallback/fallback.hpp
index 75a73be5d7..8eb7440cfa 100644
--- a/components/fallback/fallback.hpp
+++ b/components/fallback/fallback.hpp
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
 
 #include <map>
 #include <string>
+#include <string_view>
 
 #include <osg/Vec4f>
 
@@ -11,15 +12,15 @@ namespace Fallback
     /// @brief contains settings imported from the Morrowind INI file.
     class Map
     {
-            static std::map<std::string,std::string> mFallbackMap;
+            static std::map<std::string, std::string, std::less<>> mFallbackMap;
         public:
             static void init(const std::map<std::string,std::string>& fallback);
 
-            static std::string getString(const std::string& fall);
-            static float getFloat(const std::string& fall);
-            static int getInt(const std::string& fall);
-            static bool getBool(const std::string& fall);
-            static osg::Vec4f getColour(const std::string& fall);
+            static std::string_view getString(std::string_view fall);
+            static float getFloat(std::string_view fall);
+            static int getInt(std::string_view fall);
+            static bool getBool(std::string_view fall);
+            static osg::Vec4f getColour(std::string_view fall);
     };
 }
 #endif
diff --git a/components/fontloader/fontloader.cpp b/components/fontloader/fontloader.cpp
index cafc97ba6b..935667e376 100644
--- a/components/fontloader/fontloader.cpp
+++ b/components/fontloader/fontloader.cpp
@@ -212,8 +212,8 @@ namespace Gui
 
     void FontLoader::loadFonts()
     {
-        std::string defaultFont = Fallback::Map::getString("Fonts_Font_0");
-        std::string scrollFont = Fallback::Map::getString("Fonts_Font_2");
+        std::string defaultFont{Fallback::Map::getString("Fonts_Font_0")};
+        std::string scrollFont{Fallback::Map::getString("Fonts_Font_2")};
         loadFont(defaultFont, "DefaultFont");
         loadFont(scrollFont, "ScrollFont");
         loadFont("DejaVuLGCSansMono", "MonoFont"); // We need to use a TrueType monospace font to display debug texts properly.
diff --git a/components/sceneutil/actorutil.cpp b/components/sceneutil/actorutil.cpp
index a0785e413d..c13cd093bf 100644
--- a/components/sceneutil/actorutil.cpp
+++ b/components/sceneutil/actorutil.cpp
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 
 namespace SceneUtil
 {
-    std::string getActorSkeleton(bool firstPerson, bool isFemale, bool isBeast, bool isWerewolf)
+    const std::string& getActorSkeleton(bool firstPerson, bool isFemale, bool isBeast, bool isWerewolf)
     {
         if (!firstPerson)
         {
diff --git a/components/sceneutil/actorutil.hpp b/components/sceneutil/actorutil.hpp
index 7bdbbaa922..038fc4e15e 100644
--- a/components/sceneutil/actorutil.hpp
+++ b/components/sceneutil/actorutil.hpp
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 
 namespace SceneUtil
 {
-    std::string getActorSkeleton(bool firstPerson, bool female, bool beast, bool werewolf);
+    const std::string& getActorSkeleton(bool firstPerson, bool female, bool beast, bool werewolf);
 }
 
 #endif
diff --git a/components/sceneutil/lightmanager.cpp b/components/sceneutil/lightmanager.cpp
index a861dcd32c..76e1ea852e 100644
--- a/components/sceneutil/lightmanager.cpp
+++ b/components/sceneutil/lightmanager.cpp
@@ -814,7 +814,7 @@ namespace SceneUtil
             return;
         }
 
-        std::string lightingMethodString = Settings::Manager::getString("lighting method", "Shaders");
+        const std::string& lightingMethodString = Settings::Manager::getString("lighting method", "Shaders");
         auto lightingMethod = LightManager::getLightingMethodFromString(lightingMethodString);
 
         static bool hasLoggedWarnings = false;
diff --git a/components/sceneutil/shadow.cpp b/components/sceneutil/shadow.cpp
index 8727dec37d..d1d0fc3251 100644
--- a/components/sceneutil/shadow.cpp
+++ b/components/sceneutil/shadow.cpp
@@ -43,10 +43,10 @@ namespace SceneUtil
 
         mShadowSettings->setMinimumShadowMapNearFarRatio(Settings::Manager::getFloat("minimum lispsm near far ratio", "Shadows"));
 
-        std::string computeSceneBounds = Settings::Manager::getString("compute scene bounds", "Shadows");
-        if (Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase(computeSceneBounds) == "primitives")
+        const std::string& computeSceneBounds = Settings::Manager::getString("compute scene bounds", "Shadows");
+        if (Misc::StringUtils::ciEqual(computeSceneBounds, "primitives"))
             mShadowSettings->setComputeNearFarModeOverride(osg::CullSettings::COMPUTE_NEAR_FAR_USING_PRIMITIVES);
-        else if (Misc::StringUtils::lowerCase(computeSceneBounds) == "bounds")
+        else if (Misc::StringUtils::ciEqual(computeSceneBounds, "bounds"))
             mShadowSettings->setComputeNearFarModeOverride(osg::CullSettings::COMPUTE_NEAR_FAR_USING_BOUNDING_VOLUMES);
 
         int mapres = Settings::Manager::getInt("shadow map resolution", "Shadows");
diff --git a/components/settings/settings.cpp b/components/settings/settings.cpp
index 6591fd005b..d77f814468 100644
--- a/components/settings/settings.cpp
+++ b/components/settings/settings.cpp
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ void Manager::saveUser(const std::string &file)
     parser.saveSettingsFile(file, mUserSettings);
 }
 
-std::string Manager::getString(std::string_view setting, std::string_view category)
+const std::string& Manager::getString(std::string_view setting, std::string_view category)
 {
     const auto key = std::make_pair(category, setting);
     CategorySettingValueMap::iterator it = mUserSettings.find(key);
diff --git a/components/settings/settings.hpp b/components/settings/settings.hpp
index 178b8d3ebc..f50449b5de 100644
--- a/components/settings/settings.hpp
+++ b/components/settings/settings.hpp
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ namespace Settings
         static std::int64_t getInt64(std::string_view setting, std::string_view category);
         static float getFloat(std::string_view setting, std::string_view category);
         static double getDouble(std::string_view setting, std::string_view category);
-        static std::string getString(std::string_view setting, std::string_view category);
+        static const std::string& getString(std::string_view setting, std::string_view category);
         static std::vector<std::string> getStringArray(std::string_view setting, std::string_view category);
         static bool getBool(std::string_view setting, std::string_view category);
         static osg::Vec2f getVector2(std::string_view setting, std::string_view category);
diff --git a/components/widgets/tags.cpp b/components/widgets/tags.cpp
index e3575ea8f5..93b0fca447 100644
--- a/components/widgets/tags.cpp
+++ b/components/widgets/tags.cpp
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ bool replaceTag(const MyGUI::UString& tag, MyGUI::UString& out)
     if (tag.compare(0, fontcolourLength, fontcolour) == 0)
     {
         std::string fallbackName = "FontColor_color_" + tag.substr(fontcolourLength);
-        std::string str = Fallback::Map::getString(fallbackName);
+        std::string_view str = Fallback::Map::getString(fallbackName);
         if (str.empty())
             throw std::runtime_error("Unknown fallback name: " + fallbackName);
 
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ bool replaceTag(const MyGUI::UString& tag, MyGUI::UString& out)
     else if (tag.compare(0, fontcolourhtmlLength, fontcolourhtml) == 0)
     {
         std::string fallbackName = "FontColor_color_" + tag.substr(fontcolourhtmlLength);
-        std::string str = Fallback::Map::getString(fallbackName);
+        std::string_view str = Fallback::Map::getString(fallbackName);
         if (str.empty())
             throw std::runtime_error("Unknown fallback name: " + fallbackName);