The phrase "stood stiff" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to stand in a rigid or tense manner. Example: As the teacher scolded her, Sally stood stiff, unable to move or speak.
Some of the soldiers stood stiff.
The elk ears stood stiff, and their eyes gleamed.
Warren stood stiff and tall, rooted in the center of the linoleum.
Jack stood stiff and still on the rock, but he could not move.
Both posed for a lone photographer: she breezed by with a smile; he stood stiff, his face sullen.
"I am not getting involved in that campaign," Mrs. Clinton said at a news conference in Yonkers this morning, as Mr. Engel stood, stiff and expressionless, at her side.
Indeed, what the scene really demanded were those cinematic thought bubbles placed strategically over the heads of Mr. Romney and his wife, Ann, as they stood stiff-faced at the lectern with the thrice-married real estate and reality TV tycoon.
Lazarus stands stiff and uncertain, like a newborn lamb.
In Madrid, a regiment performs a relaxed, seemingly impromptu dance – all but one soldier, who stands stiff and straight, staring coolly back the camera.
By Muna Lee The New Yorker, September 29 , 1934P. 16 Each leaf, each blossom, stands stiff and gaudy View Article By Miranda Carter By Jia Tolentino By Amos Barshad By Emily Nussbaum.
It is considered extremely risque in Afghanistan for women to move to music, requiring female singers to stand stiff and immobile when delivering even the most impassioned lyrics.
