diff --git a/mode/sh.py b/mode/sh.py
index 0b4a782..e83d709 100644
--- a/mode/sh.py
+++ b/mode/sh.py
@@ -248,7 +248,7 @@ class Sh(Fundamental):
         'sh.function': hi_magenta,
         'sh.reserved': hi_magenta,
         'sh.variable': hi_yellow,
-        'string.sh.variable': lo_yellow,
+        'string.sh.variable': hi_orange,
 
         'sh.param.start': lo_yellow,
         'sh.param.null': lo_yellow,