diff --git a/docs/source/development.rst b/docs/source/development.rst
index 1b0d53147..ea446e38c 100644
--- a/docs/source/development.rst
+++ b/docs/source/development.rst
@@ -386,8 +386,8 @@ This grouping collects API functions related to the XMPP connection.
 connected
 ~~~~~~~~~
 
-Returns a boolean value (`true` or `false`) depending on whether there is an
-established connection.
+A boolean attribute (i.e. not a callable) which is set to `true` or `false` depending
+on whether there is an established connection.
 
 disconnect
 ~~~~~~~~~~
diff --git a/src/converse-api.js b/src/converse-api.js
index 003af30c3..f856b8a05 100644
--- a/src/converse-api.js
+++ b/src/converse-api.js
@@ -26,9 +26,7 @@
             converse.initialize(settings, callback);
         },
         'connection': {
-            'connected': function () {
-                return converse.connection.connected;
-            },
+            'connected': converse.connection.connected,
             'disconnect': function () {
                 converse.connection.disconnect();
             },