美 [stɪf bɪt]
n. 马嚼子
They always seemed a little awkward with each other, a bit stiff and formal.
他们总是彼此显得有点儿别扭，有几分拘谨，不太随意。
I looked a bit stiff while they were so lively.
他们都那样活泼，显得我太板了。
People were friendly, if a bit stiff and formal.
人们很友好，尽管有些正经和不自然。
In private, the droll Mr Hollande, who has been trying to transform himself from improbable outsider into solemn would-be president, has gained the necessary confidence to let the stiff mask drop a bit.