sangsue

leech

noun sahn-SU Rare

Usage Note

Sangsue literally names the blood-sucking worm once used in medicine; figuratively it means a person who drains others financially or emotionally, similar to English 'leech.' C'est une vraie sangsue is a colourful insult.

Examples

"Les sangsues vivaient dans les étangs."

Natural Translation

Leeches lived in the ponds.

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