diff --git a/src/generic/listctrl.cpp b/src/generic/listctrl.cpp
index 9d6d3c50e8..55d5764827 100644
--- a/src/generic/listctrl.cpp
+++ b/src/generic/listctrl.cpp
@@ -5045,10 +5045,9 @@ bool wxGenericListCtrl::Create(wxWindow *parent,
 
     m_headerHeight = 0;
 
-    if ( !(style & wxLC_MASK_TYPE) )
-    {
-        style = style | wxLC_LIST;
-    }
+    // just like in other ports, an assert will fail if the user doesn't give any type style:
+    wxASSERT_MSG( !(style & wxLC_MASK_TYPE),
+                  _T("wxListCtrl style should have exactly one mode bit set") );
 
     if ( !wxControl::Create( parent, id, pos, size, style, validator, name ) )
         return false;