diff --git a/pre_commit/color.py b/pre_commit/color.py
index e3b03420..c785e2c9 100644
--- a/pre_commit/color.py
+++ b/pre_commit/color.py
@@ -3,13 +3,13 @@ from __future__ import unicode_literals
 import os
 import sys
 
-terminal_supports_colors = True
+terminal_supports_color = True
 if os.name == 'nt':  # pragma: no cover (windows)
     from pre_commit.color_windows import enable_virtual_terminal_processing
     try:
         enable_virtual_terminal_processing()
     except WindowsError:
-        terminal_supports_colors = False
+        terminal_supports_color = False
 
 RED = '\033[41m'
 GREEN = '\033[42m'
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ def format_color(text, color, use_color_setting):
         color - The color start string
         use_color_setting - Whether or not to color
     """
-    if not use_color_setting or not terminal_supports_colors:
+    if not use_color_setting:
         return text
     else:
         return '{}{}{}'.format(color, text, NORMAL)
@@ -48,4 +48,7 @@ def use_color(setting):
     if setting not in COLOR_CHOICES:
         raise InvalidColorSetting(setting)
 
-    return setting == 'always' or (setting == 'auto' and sys.stdout.isatty())
+    return (
+        setting == 'always' or
+        (setting == 'auto' and sys.stdout.isatty() and terminal_supports_color)
+    )