diff --git a/code/game/machinery/camera/camera.dm b/code/game/machinery/camera/camera.dm
index 68a93322c6..8657585718 100644
--- a/code/game/machinery/camera/camera.dm
+++ b/code/game/machinery/camera/camera.dm
@@ -232,7 +232,7 @@
 		user.setClickCooldown(user.get_attack_speed(W))
 		if (W.force >= src.toughness)
 			user.do_attack_animation(src)
-			visible_message("<span class='warning'><b>[src] has been [W.attack_verb.len? pick(W.attack_verb) : "attacked"] with [W] by [user]!</b></span>")
+			visible_message("<span class='warning'><b>[src] has been [LAZYLEN(W.attack_verb) ? pick(W.attack_verb) : "attacked"] with [W] by [user]!</b></span>")
 			if (istype(W, /obj/item)) //is it even possible to get into attackby() with non-items?
 				var/obj/item/I = W
 				if (I.hitsound)
diff --git a/code/game/machinery/suit_cycler_datums.dm b/code/game/machinery/suit_cycler_datums.dm
index a615168332..512b7dfb32 100644
--- a/code/game/machinery/suit_cycler_datums.dm
+++ b/code/game/machinery/suit_cycler_datums.dm
@@ -270,7 +270,7 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_EMPTY(suit_cycler_emagged)
 // the presence of the species in the sprite_sheets_obj list on the helmet and suit
 /datum/suit_cycler_choice/species/proc/can_refit_to(obj/item/clothing/head/helmet/helmet, obj/item/clothing/suit/space/suit)
 	for(var/obj/item/clothing/C in list(helmet, suit))
-		if(C.sprite_sheets_obj[name])
+		if(LAZYACCESS(C.sprite_sheets_obj, name))
 			if(!(C.icon_state in cached_icon_states(C.sprite_sheets_obj[name])))
 				return FALSE // Species was in sprite_sheets_obj, but had no sprite for this object in particular
 
diff --git a/code/game/objects/effects/alien/aliens.dm b/code/game/objects/effects/alien/aliens.dm
index 91aea937ff..42aa0c4d61 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/effects/alien/aliens.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/effects/alien/aliens.dm
@@ -319,7 +319,7 @@
 
 /obj/effect/alien/weeds/attackby(var/obj/item/weapon/W, var/mob/user)
 	user.setClickCooldown(user.get_attack_speed(W))
-	if(W.attack_verb.len)
+	if(LAZYLEN(W.attack_verb))
 		visible_message("<span class='danger'>\The [src] have been [pick(W.attack_verb)] with \the [W][(user ? " by [user]." : ".")]</span>")
 	else
 		visible_message("<span class='danger'>\The [src] have been attacked with \the [W][(user ? " by [user]." : ".")]</span>")
@@ -523,7 +523,7 @@
 /obj/effect/alien/egg/attackby(var/obj/item/weapon/W, var/mob/user)
 	if(health <= 0)
 		return
-	if(W.attack_verb.len)
+	if(LAZYLEN(W.attack_verb))
 		src.visible_message("<span class='danger'>\The [src] has been [pick(W.attack_verb)] with \the [W][(user ? " by [user]." : ".")]</span>")
 	else
 		src.visible_message("<span class='danger'>\The [src] has been attacked with \the [W][(user ? " by [user]." : ".")]</span>")
diff --git a/code/game/objects/effects/spiders.dm b/code/game/objects/effects/spiders.dm
index d6b21ef674..6e3f224625 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/effects/spiders.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/effects/spiders.dm
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 /obj/effect/spider/attackby(var/obj/item/weapon/W, var/mob/user)
 	user.setClickCooldown(user.get_attack_speed(W))
 
-	if(W.attack_verb.len)
+	if(LAZYLEN(W.attack_verb))
 		visible_message("<span class='warning'>\The [src] has been [pick(W.attack_verb)] with \the [W][(user ? " by [user]." : ".")]</span>")
 	else
 		visible_message("<span class='warning'>\The [src] has been attacked with \the [W][(user ? " by [user]." : ".")]</span>")
diff --git a/code/game/objects/items.dm b/code/game/objects/items.dm
index 7abfa3ea5f..7d9f4fb6a2 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/items.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/items.dm
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@
 //	causeerrorheresoifixthis
 	var/obj/item/master = null
 	var/list/origin_tech = null	//Used by R&D to determine what research bonuses it grants.
-	var/list/attack_verb = list() //Used in attackby() to say how something was attacked "[x] has been [z.attack_verb] by [y] with [z]"
+	var/list/attack_verb //Used in attackby() to say how something was attacked "[x] has been [z.attack_verb] by [y] with [z]"
 	var/force = 0
 
 	var/heat_protection = 0 //flags which determine which body parts are protected from heat. Use the HEAD, UPPER_TORSO, LOWER_TORSO, etc. flags. See setup.dm
@@ -50,8 +50,8 @@
 	var/siemens_coefficient = 1 // for electrical admittance/conductance (electrocution checks and shit)
 	var/slowdown = 0 // How much clothing is slowing you down. Negative values speeds you up
 	var/canremove = 1 //Mostly for Ninja code at this point but basically will not allow the item to be removed if set to 0. /N
-	var/list/armor = list(melee = 0, bullet = 0, laser = 0,energy = 0, bomb = 0, bio = 0, rad = 0)
-	var/list/armorsoak = list(melee = 0, bullet = 0, laser = 0,energy = 0, bomb = 0, bio = 0, rad = 0)
+	var/list/armor = list("melee" = 0, "bullet" = 0, "laser" = 0,"energy" = 0, "bomb" = 0, "bio" = 0, "rad" = 0)
+	var/list/armorsoak = list("melee" = 0, "bullet" = 0, "laser" = 0, "energy" = 0, "bomb" = 0, "bio" = 0, "rad" = 0)
 	var/list/allowed = null //suit storage stuff.
 	var/obj/item/device/uplink/hidden/hidden_uplink = null // All items can have an uplink hidden inside, just remember to add the triggers.
 	var/zoomdevicename = null //name used for message when binoculars/scope is used
@@ -63,12 +63,12 @@
 
 	//** These specify item/icon overrides for _slots_
 
-	var/list/item_state_slots = list() //overrides the default item_state for particular slots.
+	var/list/item_state_slots //overrides the default item_state for particular slots.
 
 	// Used to specify the icon file to be used when the item is worn. If not set the default icon for that slot will be used.
 	// If icon_override or sprite_sheets are set they will take precendence over this, assuming they apply to the slot in question.
 	// Only slot_l_hand/slot_r_hand are implemented at the moment. Others to be implemented as needed.
-	var/list/item_icons = list()
+	var/list/item_icons
 
 	//** These specify item/icon overrides for _species_
 
@@ -79,11 +79,11 @@
 		)
 	If index term exists and icon_override is not set, this sprite sheet will be used.
 	*/
-	var/list/sprite_sheets = list()
+	var/list/sprite_sheets
 
 	// Species-specific sprite sheets for inventory sprites
 	// Works similarly to worn sprite_sheets, except the alternate sprites are used when the clothing/refit_for_species() proc is called.
-	var/list/sprite_sheets_obj = list()
+	var/list/sprite_sheets_obj
 
 	var/toolspeed = 1.0 // This is a multipler on how 'fast' a tool works.  e.g. setting this to 0.5 will make the tool work twice as fast.
 	var/attackspeed = DEFAULT_ATTACK_COOLDOWN // How long click delay will be when using this, in 1/10ths of a second. Checked in the user's get_attack_speed().
diff --git a/code/game/objects/items/weapons/storage/backpack.dm b/code/game/objects/items/weapons/storage/backpack.dm
index ad016d0d85..325980756f 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/items/weapons/storage/backpack.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/items/weapons/storage/backpack.dm
@@ -70,7 +70,6 @@
 	w_class = ITEMSIZE_LARGE
 	max_w_class = ITEMSIZE_NORMAL
 	max_storage_space = ITEMSIZE_COST_NORMAL * 100 // can store a ton of shit!
-	item_state_slots = null
 
 /obj/item/weapon/storage/backpack/cultpack
 	name = "trophy rack"
diff --git a/code/game/objects/mob_spawner_vr.dm b/code/game/objects/mob_spawner_vr.dm
index a3f01c5371..1b17bda2e2 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/mob_spawner_vr.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/mob_spawner_vr.dm
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@
 
 	user.setClickCooldown(DEFAULT_ATTACK_COOLDOWN)
 	user.do_attack_animation(src)
-	visible_message("<span class='warning'>\The [src] has been [I.attack_verb.len ? "[pick(I.attack_verb)]":"attacked"] with \the [I] by [user].</span>")
+	visible_message("<span class='warning'>\The [src] has been [LAZYLEN(I.attack_verb) ? "[pick(I.attack_verb)]":"attacked"] with \the [I] by [user].</span>")
 	take_damage(I.force)
 
 /obj/structure/mob_spawner/bullet_act(var/obj/item/projectile/Proj)
diff --git a/code/modules/clothing/chameleon.dm b/code/modules/clothing/chameleon.dm
index 08c594153d..c0cde563a8 100644
--- a/code/modules/clothing/chameleon.dm
+++ b/code/modules/clothing/chameleon.dm
@@ -13,10 +13,9 @@
 	body_parts_covered = copy.body_parts_covered
 	flags_inv = copy.flags_inv
 
-	item_icons = copy.item_icons.Copy()
-	if(copy.item_state_slots) //Runtime prevention for backpacks
-		item_state_slots = copy.item_state_slots.Copy()
-	sprite_sheets = copy.sprite_sheets.Copy()
+	item_icons = copy.item_icons?.Copy()
+	item_state_slots = copy.item_state_slots?.Copy()
+	sprite_sheets = copy.sprite_sheets?.Copy()
 	//copying sprite_sheets_obj should be unnecessary as chameleon items are not refittable.
 
 	return copy //for inheritance
@@ -54,7 +53,7 @@
 	name = "psychedelic"
 	desc = "Groovy!"
 	icon_state = "psyche"
-	item_state_slots[slot_w_uniform_str] = "psyche"
+	LAZYSET(item_state_slots, slot_w_uniform_str, "psyche")
 	update_icon()
 	update_clothing_icon()
 
diff --git a/code/modules/clothing/clothing.dm b/code/modules/clothing/clothing.dm
index 647a64736b..787111585d 100644
--- a/code/modules/clothing/clothing.dm
+++ b/code/modules/clothing/clothing.dm
@@ -164,7 +164,7 @@
 
 	//Set icon
 	if (sprite_sheets_refit && (target_species in sprite_sheets_refit))
-		sprite_sheets[target_species] = sprite_sheets_refit[target_species]
+		LAZYSET(sprite_sheets, target_species, sprite_sheets_refit[target_species])
 
 	if (sprite_sheets_obj && (target_species in sprite_sheets_obj))
 		icon = sprite_sheets_obj[target_species]
@@ -212,7 +212,7 @@
 
 	//Set icon
 	if (sprite_sheets_refit && (target_species in sprite_sheets_refit))
-		sprite_sheets[target_species] = sprite_sheets_refit[target_species]
+		LAZYSET(sprite_sheets, target_species, sprite_sheets_refit[target_species])
 
 	if (sprite_sheets_obj && (target_species in sprite_sheets_obj))
 		icon = sprite_sheets_obj[target_species]
@@ -542,9 +542,9 @@
 
 		// Generate and cache the on-mob icon, which is used in update_inv_head().
 		var/body_type = (H && H.species.get_bodytype(H))
-		var/cache_key = "[light_overlay][body_type && sprite_sheets[body_type] ? body_type : ""]"
+		var/cache_key = "[light_overlay][body_type && LAZYACCESS(sprite_sheets, body_type) ? body_type : ""]"
 		if(!light_overlay_cache[cache_key])
-			var/use_icon = LAZYACCESS(sprite_sheets,body_type) || 'icons/mob/light_overlays.dmi'
+			var/use_icon = LAZYACCESS(sprite_sheets, body_type) || 'icons/mob/light_overlays.dmi'
 			light_overlay_cache[cache_key] = image(icon = use_icon, icon_state = "[light_overlay]")
 
 	else if(helmet_light)
@@ -867,9 +867,7 @@
 /obj/item/clothing/under/New()
 	..()
 	if(worn_state)
-		if(!item_state_slots)
-			item_state_slots = list()
-		item_state_slots[slot_w_uniform_str] = worn_state
+		LAZYSET(item_state_slots, slot_w_uniform_str, worn_state)
 	else
 		worn_state = icon_state
 
@@ -891,9 +889,9 @@
 	var/icon/under_icon
 	if(icon_override)
 		under_icon = icon_override
-	else if(H && sprite_sheets && sprite_sheets[H.species.get_bodytype(H)])
+	else if(H && LAZYACCESS(sprite_sheets, H.species.get_bodytype(H)))
 		under_icon = sprite_sheets[H.species.get_bodytype(H)]
-	else if(item_icons && item_icons[slot_w_uniform_str])
+	else if(LAZYACCESS(item_icons, slot_w_uniform_str))
 		under_icon = item_icons[slot_w_uniform_str]
 	else if (worn_state in cached_icon_states(rolled_down_icon))
 		under_icon = rolled_down_icon
@@ -914,9 +912,9 @@
 	var/icon/under_icon
 	if(icon_override)
 		under_icon = icon_override
-	else if(H && sprite_sheets && sprite_sheets[H.species.get_bodytype(H)])
+	else if(H && LAZYACCESS(sprite_sheets, H.species.get_bodytype(H)))
 		under_icon = sprite_sheets[H.species.get_bodytype(H)]
-	else if(item_icons && item_icons[slot_w_uniform_str])
+	else if(LAZYACCESS(item_icons, slot_w_uniform_str))
 		under_icon = item_icons[slot_w_uniform_str]
 	else if (worn_state in cached_icon_states(rolled_down_sleeves_icon))
 		under_icon = rolled_down_sleeves_icon
@@ -1009,16 +1007,16 @@
 		body_parts_covered &= ~(UPPER_TORSO|ARMS)
 		if(worn_state in cached_icon_states(rolled_down_icon))
 			icon_override = rolled_down_icon
-			item_state_slots[slot_w_uniform_str] = worn_state
+			LAZYSET(item_state_slots, slot_w_uniform_str, worn_state)
 		else
-			item_state_slots[slot_w_uniform_str] = "[worn_state]_d"
+			LAZYSET(item_state_slots, slot_w_uniform_str, "[worn_state]_d")
 
 		to_chat(usr, "<span class='notice'>You roll down your [src].</span>")
 	else
 		body_parts_covered = initial(body_parts_covered)
 		if(icon_override == rolled_down_icon)
 			icon_override = initial(icon_override)
-		item_state_slots[slot_w_uniform_str] = worn_state
+		LAZYSET(item_state_slots, slot_w_uniform_str, worn_state)
 		to_chat(usr, "<span class='notice'>You roll up your [src].</span>")
 	update_clothing_icon()
 
@@ -1042,15 +1040,15 @@
 		body_parts_covered &= ~(ARMS)
 		if(worn_state in cached_icon_states(rolled_down_sleeves_icon))
 			icon_override = rolled_down_sleeves_icon
-			item_state_slots[slot_w_uniform_str] = worn_state
+			LAZYSET(item_state_slots, slot_w_uniform_str, worn_state)
 		else
-			item_state_slots[slot_w_uniform_str] = "[worn_state]_r"
+			LAZYSET(item_state_slots, slot_w_uniform_str, "[worn_state]_r")
 		to_chat(usr, "<span class='notice'>You roll up your [src]'s sleeves.</span>")
 	else
 		body_parts_covered = initial(body_parts_covered)
 		if(icon_override == rolled_down_sleeves_icon)
 			icon_override = initial(icon_override)
-		item_state_slots[slot_w_uniform_str] = worn_state
+		LAZYSET(item_state_slots, slot_w_uniform_str, worn_state)
 		to_chat(usr, "<span class='notice'>You roll down your [src]'s sleeves.</span>")
 	update_clothing_icon()
 
diff --git a/code/modules/clothing/clothing_icons.dm b/code/modules/clothing/clothing_icons.dm
index c28d60a9ff..6560045a1f 100644
--- a/code/modules/clothing/clothing_icons.dm
+++ b/code/modules/clothing/clothing_icons.dm
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
 /obj/item/clothing/head/make_worn_icon(var/body_type,var/slot_name,var/inhands,var/default_icon,var/default_layer = 0,var/icon/clip_mask = null)
 	var/image/standing = ..()
 	if(light_on && slot_name == slot_head_str)
-		var/cache_key = "[light_overlay][LAZYACCESS(sprite_sheets,body_type) ? "_[body_type]" : ""]"
+		var/cache_key = "[light_overlay][LAZYACCESS(sprite_sheets, body_type) ? "_[body_type]" : ""]"
 		if(standing && light_overlay_cache[cache_key])
 			standing.add_overlay(light_overlay_cache[cache_key])
 	return standing
diff --git a/code/modules/clothing/head/misc_special.dm b/code/modules/clothing/head/misc_special.dm
index d096eb5883..1d3759fae9 100644
--- a/code/modules/clothing/head/misc_special.dm
+++ b/code/modules/clothing/head/misc_special.dm
@@ -182,7 +182,7 @@
 	icon_state = "kitty"
 	body_parts_covered = 0
 	siemens_coefficient = 1.5
-	item_icons = list()
+	item_icons = null
 
 /obj/item/clothing/head/kitty/update_icon(var/mob/living/carbon/human/user)
 	if(!istype(user)) return
diff --git a/code/modules/clothing/masks/breath_vr.dm b/code/modules/clothing/masks/breath_vr.dm
index 9f6016d948..47c5fdb64b 100644
--- a/code/modules/clothing/masks/breath_vr.dm
+++ b/code/modules/clothing/masks/breath_vr.dm
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
 /obj/item/clothing/mask/breath/transparent
 	name = "transparent breath mask"
 	item_state = "golem"  //This is dumb and hacky but was here when I got here.
-	sprite_sheets = list()
+	sprite_sheets = null
diff --git a/code/modules/clothing/spacesuits/rig/rig.dm b/code/modules/clothing/spacesuits/rig/rig.dm
index cc7084341f..25219809e5 100644
--- a/code/modules/clothing/spacesuits/rig/rig.dm
+++ b/code/modules/clothing/spacesuits/rig/rig.dm
@@ -594,7 +594,7 @@
 		var/species_icon = default_mob_icon
 		// Since setting mob_icon will override the species checks in
 		// update_inv_wear_suit(), handle species checks here.
-		if(wearer && sprite_sheets && sprite_sheets[wearer.species.get_bodytype(wearer)])
+		if(wearer && LAZYACCESS(sprite_sheets, wearer.species.get_bodytype(wearer)))
 			species_icon =  sprite_sheets[wearer.species.get_bodytype(wearer)]
 		mob_icon = icon(icon = species_icon, icon_state = "[icon_state]")
 
diff --git a/code/modules/clothing/spacesuits/rig/suits/station_vr.dm b/code/modules/clothing/spacesuits/rig/suits/station_vr.dm
index e0d14f189a..63e94a4ffb 100644
--- a/code/modules/clothing/spacesuits/rig/suits/station_vr.dm
+++ b/code/modules/clothing/spacesuits/rig/suits/station_vr.dm
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@
 	icon_state = "techno_rig"
 	// No animal people sprites for these yet, sad times
 	species_restricted = list("exclude", SPECIES_TESHARI, SPECIES_VOX, SPECIES_DIONA)
-	sprite_sheets = list()
+	sprite_sheets = null
 
 /obj/item/clothing/suit/space/rig/focalpoint
 	icon = 'icons/inventory/suit/item_vr.dmi'
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@
 	icon_state = "techno_rig"
 	// No animal people sprites for these yet, sad times
 	species_restricted = list("exclude", SPECIES_TESHARI, SPECIES_VOX, SPECIES_DIONA)
-	sprite_sheets = list()
+	sprite_sheets = null
 
 /obj/item/clothing/shoes/magboots/rig/focalpoint
 	icon = 'icons/inventory/feet/item_vr.dmi'
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@
 	icon_state = "techno_rig"
 	// No animal people sprites for these yet, sad times
 	species_restricted = list("exclude", SPECIES_TESHARI, SPECIES_VOX, SPECIES_DIONA)
-	sprite_sheets = list()
+	sprite_sheets = null
 
 /obj/item/clothing/gloves/gauntlets/rig/focalpoint
 	icon = 'icons/inventory/hands/item_vr.dmi'
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@
 	siemens_coefficient = 0
 	// No animal people sprites for these yet, sad times
 	species_restricted = list("exclude", SPECIES_TESHARI, SPECIES_VOX, SPECIES_DIONA)
-	sprite_sheets = list()
+	sprite_sheets = null
 
 // 'Ironhammer' hardsuit
 /obj/item/weapon/rig/hephaestus
@@ -153,7 +153,7 @@
 	icon_state = "ihs_rig"
 	// No animal people sprites for these yet, sad times
 	species_restricted = list("exclude", SPECIES_TESHARI, SPECIES_VOX, SPECIES_DIONA)
-	sprite_sheets = list()
+	sprite_sheets = null
 
 /obj/item/clothing/suit/space/rig/hephaestus
 	icon = 'icons/inventory/suit/item_vr.dmi'
@@ -161,7 +161,7 @@
 	icon_state = "ihs_rig"
 	// No animal people sprites for these yet, sad times
 	species_restricted = list("exclude", SPECIES_TESHARI, SPECIES_VOX, SPECIES_DIONA)
-	sprite_sheets = list()
+	sprite_sheets = null
 
 /obj/item/clothing/shoes/magboots/rig/hephaestus
 	icon = 'icons/inventory/feet/item_vr.dmi'
@@ -169,7 +169,7 @@
 	icon_state = "ihs_rig"
 	// No animal people sprites for these yet, sad times
 	species_restricted = list("exclude", SPECIES_TESHARI, SPECIES_VOX, SPECIES_DIONA)
-	sprite_sheets = list()
+	sprite_sheets = null
 
 /obj/item/clothing/gloves/gauntlets/rig/hephaestus
 	icon = 'icons/inventory/hands/item_vr.dmi'
@@ -177,4 +177,4 @@
 	icon_state = "ihs_rig"
 	// No animal people sprites for these yet, sad times
 	species_restricted = list("exclude", SPECIES_TESHARI, SPECIES_VOX, SPECIES_DIONA)
-	sprite_sheets = list()
+	sprite_sheets = null
diff --git a/code/modules/clothing/spacesuits/spacesuits.dm b/code/modules/clothing/spacesuits/spacesuits.dm
index ed51525e25..9ee31aeb60 100644
--- a/code/modules/clothing/spacesuits/spacesuits.dm
+++ b/code/modules/clothing/spacesuits/spacesuits.dm
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 		verbs |= /obj/item/clothing/head/helmet/space/proc/toggle_camera
 
 	if(type == /obj/item/clothing/head/helmet/space) //VOREStation edit - use the specially refitted sprites by KBraid. Done this way to avoid breaking subtypes.
-		sprite_sheets[SPECIES_TESHARI] = 'icons/inventory/head/mob_vr_teshari.dmi'
+		LAZYSET(sprite_sheets, SPECIES_TESHARI, 'icons/inventory/head/mob_vr_teshari.dmi')
 
 /obj/item/clothing/head/helmet/space/proc/toggle_camera()
 	set name = "Toggle Helmet Camera"
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@
 /obj/item/clothing/suit/space/Initialize()
 	. = ..()
 	if(type == /obj/item/clothing/suit/space)
-		sprite_sheets[SPECIES_TESHARI] = 'icons/inventory/suit/mob_vr_teshari.dmi' // aAAAaaAAAAA
+		LAZYSET(sprite_sheets, SPECIES_TESHARI, 'icons/inventory/suit/mob_vr_teshari.dmi')
 //VOREStation edit end.
 
 /obj/item/clothing/suit/space/equipped(mob/M)
diff --git a/code/modules/clothing/spacesuits/void/event_vr.dm b/code/modules/clothing/spacesuits/void/event_vr.dm
index 6d947ce245..177cd768b0 100644
--- a/code/modules/clothing/spacesuits/void/event_vr.dm
+++ b/code/modules/clothing/spacesuits/void/event_vr.dm
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@
 	
 	// No animal people sprites for these yet, sad times
 	species_restricted = list("exclude", SPECIES_TESHARI, SPECIES_VOX, SPECIES_DIONA)
-	sprite_sheets = list()
+	sprite_sheets = null
 
 /obj/item/clothing/suit/space/void/hev/violet
 	icon_state = "hev_violet"
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@
 	
 	// No animal people sprites for these yet, sad times
 	species_restricted = list("exclude", SPECIES_TESHARI, SPECIES_VOX, SPECIES_DIONA)
-	sprite_sheets = list()
+	sprite_sheets = null
 
 /obj/item/clothing/head/helmet/space/void/hev/violet
 	icon_state = "hev_violet"
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@
 
 	// No animal people sprites for these yet, sad times
 	species_restricted = list("exclude", SPECIES_TESHARI, SPECIES_VOX, SPECIES_DIONA)
-	sprite_sheets = list()
+	sprite_sheets = null
 
 /obj/item/clothing/head/helmet/space/void/makeshift
 	name = "makeshift voidsuit helmet"
@@ -135,7 +135,7 @@
 
 	// No animal people sprites for these yet, sad times
 	species_restricted = list("exclude", SPECIES_TESHARI, SPECIES_VOX, SPECIES_DIONA)
-	sprite_sheets = list()
+	sprite_sheets = null
 
 // 'Custodian' armor
 /obj/item/clothing/suit/space/void/custodian
@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@
 	
 	// No animal people sprites for these yet, sad times
 	species_restricted = list("exclude", SPECIES_TESHARI, SPECIES_VOX, SPECIES_DIONA)
-	sprite_sheets = list()
+	sprite_sheets = null
 
 /obj/item/clothing/head/helmet/space/void/custodian
 	name = "custodian helmet"
@@ -164,7 +164,7 @@
 	
 	// No animal people sprites for these yet, sad times
 	species_restricted = list("exclude", SPECIES_TESHARI, SPECIES_VOX, SPECIES_DIONA)
-	sprite_sheets = list()
+	sprite_sheets = null
 
 // 'Moebius' armor
 /obj/item/clothing/suit/space/void/aether
@@ -179,7 +179,7 @@
 
 	// No animal people sprites for these yet, sad times
 	species_restricted = list("exclude", SPECIES_TESHARI, SPECIES_VOX, SPECIES_DIONA)
-	sprite_sheets = list()
+	sprite_sheets = null
 
 /obj/item/clothing/head/helmet/space/void/aether
 	name = "\improper Aether voidsuit helmet"
@@ -193,7 +193,7 @@
 
 	// No animal people sprites for these yet, sad times
 	species_restricted = list("exclude", SPECIES_TESHARI, SPECIES_VOX, SPECIES_DIONA)
-	sprite_sheets = list()
+	sprite_sheets = null
 
 /obj/item/clothing/head/helmet/space/void/aether/verb/select_color()
 	set name = "Helmet Color"
@@ -218,7 +218,7 @@
 	
 	// No animal people sprites for these yet, sad times
 	species_restricted = list("exclude", SPECIES_TESHARI, SPECIES_VOX, SPECIES_DIONA)
-	sprite_sheets = list()
+	sprite_sheets = null
 
 /obj/item/clothing/head/helmet/space/void/excelsior
 	name = "\improper Excelsior voidsuit helmet"
@@ -230,4 +230,4 @@
 	
 	// No animal people sprites for these yet, sad times
 	species_restricted = list("exclude", SPECIES_TESHARI, SPECIES_VOX, SPECIES_DIONA)
-	sprite_sheets = list()
+	sprite_sheets = null
diff --git a/code/modules/clothing/under/accessories/accessory.dm b/code/modules/clothing/under/accessories/accessory.dm
index ab231df431..2157f9ceec 100644
--- a/code/modules/clothing/under/accessories/accessory.dm
+++ b/code/modules/clothing/under/accessories/accessory.dm
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@
 		if("[tmp_icon_state]_mob" in cached_icon_states(icon_override))
 			tmp_icon_state = "[tmp_icon_state]_mob"
 		mob_overlay = image("icon" = icon_override, "icon_state" = "[tmp_icon_state]")
-	else if(wearer && sprite_sheets[wearer.species.get_bodytype(wearer)]) //Teshari can finally into webbing, too!
+	else if(wearer && LAZYACCESS(sprite_sheets, wearer.species.get_bodytype(wearer))) //Teshari can finally into webbing, too!
 		mob_overlay = image("icon" = sprite_sheets[wearer.species.get_bodytype(wearer)], "icon_state" = "[tmp_icon_state]")
 	else
 		mob_overlay = image("icon" = INV_ACCESSORIES_DEF_ICON, "icon_state" = "[tmp_icon_state]")
diff --git a/code/modules/clothing/under/miscellaneous_vr.dm b/code/modules/clothing/under/miscellaneous_vr.dm
index c99b562c18..2222ed49be 100644
--- a/code/modules/clothing/under/miscellaneous_vr.dm
+++ b/code/modules/clothing/under/miscellaneous_vr.dm
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 	body_parts_covered = 0
 	equip_sound = null
 
-	sprite_sheets = list()
+	sprite_sheets = null
 
 	item_state = "golem"  //This is dumb and hacky but was here when I got here.
 	worn_state = "golem"  //It's basically just a coincidentally black iconstate in the file.
diff --git a/code/modules/customitems/item_spawning.dm b/code/modules/customitems/item_spawning.dm
index aadafb9b66..c1ddca4522 100644
--- a/code/modules/customitems/item_spawning.dm
+++ b/code/modules/customitems/item_spawning.dm
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@
 //this has to mirror the way update_inv_*_hand() selects the state
 /datum/custom_item/proc/get_state(var/obj/item/item, var/slot_str, var/hand_str)
 	var/t_state
-	if(item.item_state_slots && item.item_state_slots[slot_str])
+	if(LAZYACCESS(item.item_state_slots, slot_str))
 		t_state = item.item_state_slots[slot_str]
 	else if(item.item_state)
 		t_state = item.item_state
@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@
 	var/icon/t_icon
 	if(item.icon_override)
 		t_icon = item.icon_override
-	else if(item.item_icons && (slot_str in item.item_icons))
+	else if(LAZYACCESS(item.item_icons, slot_str))
 		t_icon = item.item_icons[slot_str]
 	else
 		t_icon = hand_icon
diff --git a/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/human/human_defense.dm b/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/human/human_defense.dm
index feab80627a..c68ee21401 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/human/human_defense.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/human/human_defense.dm
@@ -267,7 +267,7 @@ emp_act
 	if(!affecting)
 		return //should be prevented by attacked_with_item() but for sanity.
 
-	visible_message("<span class='danger'>[src] has been [I.attack_verb.len? pick(I.attack_verb) : "attacked"] in the [affecting.name] with [I.name] by [user]!</span>")
+	visible_message("<span class='danger'>[src] has been [LAZYLEN(I.attack_verb) ? pick(I.attack_verb) : "attacked"] in the [affecting.name] with [I.name] by [user]!</span>")
 
 	var/soaked = get_armor_soak(hit_zone, "melee", I.armor_penetration)
 
diff --git a/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/human/species/station/traits_vr/weaver_objs.dm b/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/human/species/station/traits_vr/weaver_objs.dm
index b3ddc26ed3..095399a6a0 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/human/species/station/traits_vr/weaver_objs.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/human/species/station/traits_vr/weaver_objs.dm
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 	user.setClickCooldown(user.get_attack_speed(W))
 
 	if(W.force)
-		visible_message("<span class='warning'>\The [src] has been [pick(W.attack_verb)] with \the [W][(user ? " by [user]." : ".")]</span>")
+		visible_message("<span class='warning'>\The [src] has been [LAZYLEN(W.attack_verb) ? pick(W.attack_verb) : "attacked"] with \the [W][(user ? " by [user]." : ".")]</span>")
 		qdel(src)
 
 /obj/effect/weaversilk/bullet_act(var/obj/item/projectile/Proj)
diff --git a/code/modules/mob/living/living_defense.dm b/code/modules/mob/living/living_defense.dm
index 589d9ac6a3..e9a75d2ab5 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/living_defense.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/living_defense.dm
@@ -225,7 +225,7 @@
 
 //Called when the mob is hit with an item in combat. Returns the blocked result
 /mob/living/proc/hit_with_weapon(obj/item/I, mob/living/user, var/effective_force, var/hit_zone)
-	visible_message("<span class='danger'>[src] has been [I.attack_verb.len? pick(I.attack_verb) : "attacked"] with [I.name] by [user]!</span>")
+	visible_message("<span class='danger'>[src] has been [LAZYLEN(I.attack_verb) ? pick(I.attack_verb) : "attacked"] with [I.name] by [user]!</span>")
 
 	if(ai_holder)
 		ai_holder.react_to_attack(user)
diff --git a/code/modules/mob/living/silicon/robot/drone/drone.dm b/code/modules/mob/living/silicon/robot/drone/drone.dm
index 32cc4f32d4..d615f41290 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/silicon/robot/drone/drone.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/silicon/robot/drone/drone.dm
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 var/list/mob_hat_cache = list()
 /proc/get_hat_icon(var/obj/item/hat, var/offset_x = 0, var/offset_y = 0)
 	var/t_state = hat.icon_state
-	if(hat.item_state_slots && hat.item_state_slots[slot_head_str])
+	if(LAZYACCESS(hat.item_state_slots, slot_head_str))
 		t_state = hat.item_state_slots[slot_head_str]
 	else if(hat.item_state)
 		t_state = hat.item_state
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ var/list/mob_hat_cache = list()
 		var/t_icon = INV_HEAD_DEF_ICON // are unique across multiple dmis, but whatever.
 		if(hat.icon_override)
 			t_icon = hat.icon_override
-		else if(hat.item_icons && (slot_head_str in hat.item_icons))
+		else if(LAZYACCESS(hat.item_icons, slot_head_str))
 			t_icon = hat.item_icons[slot_head_str]
 		var/image/I = image(icon = t_icon, icon_state = t_state)
 		I.pixel_x = offset_x
diff --git a/code/modules/mob/living/simple_mob/hands.dm b/code/modules/mob/living/simple_mob/hands.dm
index 8ec2158d65..9d869df631 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/simple_mob/hands.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/simple_mob/hands.dm
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@
 
 		//determine icon state to use
 		var/t_state
-		if(r_hand.item_state_slots && r_hand.item_state_slots[slot_r_hand_str])
+		if(LAZYACCESS(r_hand.item_state_slots, slot_r_hand_str))
 			t_state = r_hand.item_state_slots[slot_r_hand_str]
 		else if(r_hand.item_state)
 			t_state = r_hand.item_state
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@
 
 		//determine icon to use
 		var/icon/t_icon
-		if(r_hand.item_icons && (slot_r_hand_str in r_hand.item_icons))
+		if(LAZYACCESS(r_hand.item_icons, slot_r_hand_str))
 			t_icon = r_hand.item_icons[slot_r_hand_str]
 		else if(r_hand.icon_override)
 			t_state += "_r"
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@
 
 		//determine icon state to use
 		var/t_state
-		if(l_hand.item_state_slots && l_hand.item_state_slots[slot_l_hand_str])
+		if(LAZYACCESS(l_hand.item_state_slots, slot_l_hand_str))
 			t_state = l_hand.item_state_slots[slot_l_hand_str]
 		else if(l_hand.item_state)
 			t_state = l_hand.item_state
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@
 
 		//determine icon to use
 		var/icon/t_icon
-		if(l_hand.item_icons && (slot_l_hand_str in l_hand.item_icons))
+		if(LAZYACCESS(l_hand.item_icons, slot_l_hand_str))
 			t_icon = l_hand.item_icons[slot_l_hand_str]
 		else if(l_hand.icon_override)
 			t_state += "_l"
diff --git a/code/modules/projectiles/gun.dm b/code/modules/projectiles/gun.dm
index de0a1f46bd..bdfd61a7d4 100644
--- a/code/modules/projectiles/gun.dm
+++ b/code/modules/projectiles/gun.dm
@@ -156,11 +156,11 @@
 		var/mob/living/M = loc
 		if(istype(M))
 			if(M.can_wield_item(src) && src.is_held_twohanded(M))
-				item_state_slots[slot_l_hand_str] = wielded_item_state
-				item_state_slots[slot_r_hand_str] = wielded_item_state
+				LAZYSET(item_state_slots, slot_l_hand_str, wielded_item_state)
+				LAZYSET(item_state_slots, slot_r_hand_str, wielded_item_state)
 			else
-				item_state_slots[slot_l_hand_str] = initial(item_state)
-				item_state_slots[slot_r_hand_str] = initial(item_state)
+				LAZYSET(item_state_slots, slot_l_hand_str, initial(item_state))
+				LAZYSET(item_state_slots, slot_r_hand_str, initial(item_state))
 	..()
 
 
diff --git a/code/modules/projectiles/guns/energy/gunsword_vr.dm b/code/modules/projectiles/guns/energy/gunsword_vr.dm
index 20ffc1ccea..e5ffffc05d 100644
--- a/code/modules/projectiles/guns/energy/gunsword_vr.dm
+++ b/code/modules/projectiles/guns/energy/gunsword_vr.dm
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@
 	edge = initial(edge)
 	w_class = initial(w_class)
 	set_light(0,0)
-	attack_verb = list()
+	attack_verb = null
 
 
 /obj/item/weapon/cell/device/weapon/gunsword/attack_self(mob/living/user as mob)
diff --git a/code/modules/vore/fluffstuff/custom_clothes_vr.dm b/code/modules/vore/fluffstuff/custom_clothes_vr.dm
index fb7a3de2f0..d622e104f0 100644
--- a/code/modules/vore/fluffstuff/custom_clothes_vr.dm
+++ b/code/modules/vore/fluffstuff/custom_clothes_vr.dm
@@ -1018,7 +1018,7 @@
 	icon_state = "gildedcuffs"
 
 	icon_override = 'icons/vore/custom_onmob_vr.dmi'
-	item_icons = list()
+	item_icons = null
 
 	body_parts_covered = 0
 
@@ -1847,7 +1847,7 @@ Departamental Swimsuits, for general use
 	rolled_down = 0
 	rolled_sleeves = 0
 	starting_accessories = null
-	item_icons = list()
+	item_icons = null
 
 //Vorrarkul: Melanie Farmer
 /obj/item/clothing/under/fluff/slime_skeleton
@@ -1901,10 +1901,10 @@ Departamental Swimsuits, for general use
 	body_parts_covered = UPPER_TORSO|LOWER_TORSO
 	icon = 'icons/vore/custom_clothes_vr.dmi'
 	icon_state = "latex_clothes"
-	item_icons = list()
+	item_icons = null
 	default_worn_icon = 'icons/vore/custom_clothes_vr.dmi'
 	color = COLOR_NAVY
-	sprite_sheets = list()
+	sprite_sheets = null
 
 //SweetBlueSylveon:Pip Shyner
 /obj/item/clothing/accessory/poncho/roles/cloak/hop/fluff/pip
@@ -1994,7 +1994,7 @@ Departamental Swimsuits, for general use
 	icon_override = 'icons/vore/custom_onmob_vr.dmi'
 	icon_state = "nikki_outfit"
 	item_state = "nikki_outfit"
-	item_icons = list()
+	item_icons = null
 	sensor_mode = 3 // I'm a dumbass and forget these all the time please understand :(
 
 /obj/item/clothing/under/skirt/outfit/fluff/nikki/mob_can_equip(var/mob/living/carbon/human/M, slot, disable_warning = 0)
diff --git a/code/modules/vore/resizing/holder_micro_vr.dm b/code/modules/vore/resizing/holder_micro_vr.dm
index 1f4f65084d..d4f114fc2a 100644
--- a/code/modules/vore/resizing/holder_micro_vr.dm
+++ b/code/modules/vore/resizing/holder_micro_vr.dm
@@ -7,8 +7,8 @@
 	icon_override = 'icons/inventory/head/mob_vr.dmi'
 	slot_flags = SLOT_FEET | SLOT_HEAD | SLOT_ID
 	w_class = ITEMSIZE_SMALL
-	item_icons = list() // No in-hand sprites (for now, anyway, we could totally add some)
-	pixel_y = 0			// Override value from parent.
+	item_icons = null // No in-hand sprites (for now, anyway, we could totally add some)
+	pixel_y = 0		  // Override value from parent.
 
 /obj/item/weapon/holder/micro/examine(mob/user)
 	. = list()