A foreign visitor, visiting England said something about his wife. He had no children. He said his wife was ‘inconceivable’. People laughed. Then he said, ‘No, I mean she was unbearable’. Again people laughed. Then he said, No, I mean she was unbearable.’ Again people laughed. Then he said, ” What I mean is she is impregnable.” Again the people laughed.

Then the visitor said, “My relationship with English corresponds to my relationship to my wife. I love her, but I have no control over her”.