leech

A leech is not just a slimy creature that sticks to your skin. The word is also used for someone who takes from others without giving anything back. Think of it this way: a real friend helps and supports you, but a "leech" shows up mainly when they want something from you. In the literal sense, leeches are segmented worms, and some kinds feed on the blood of animals and humans. They were once used in medicine, but today people more often use the word as a metaphor for a person who lives off someone else's kindness, money, or success. Be careful who you let get too close; you do not want someone draining you.

The word "leech" has a clear double meaning. In the literal sense, it refers to a segmented worm. Some leeches feed on blood by attaching themselves to animals or people, which is why the word often brings to mind a creature that quietly clings and drains. These worms also have a long medical history. In earlier times, doctors sometimes used them to bleed patients because people believed this could improve health. That practice is now mostly outdated, but the image of the animal stayed strong in the language.

In its figurative sense, a "leech" is someone who uses other people for support, money, time, or attention without giving much back. This kind of person stays close to others mainly for personal benefit and leaves them feeling tired, used, or taken advantage of. The idea is close to calling someone parasitic: they depend on others in an unfair and one-sided way. You might hear phrases like "a social leech" for someone who stays around people only for gain, or even see the word used more broadly for a group or company that profits unfairly from others. Overall, the word has a strongly negative tone and suggests selfish dependence, exploitation, and a relationship with very little balance or care.