She is reedlike, wavering and tremulous — a waif forever on the verge of a nervous breakdown — and she mostly inspires our protective instincts.

Loquacious and stout, he makes a charming pair with his wife, who’s reedlike and a bit shy.

When they are disobedient or intentionally hurtful to others, we spank them with a small reedlike rod, which only inflicts pain and not damage.”