‘You’re such a leech’ This is one of those nature columns that even kind of grosses me out, so stand warned. I mean, after all, it’s not easy reading up on leeches. Mainly, because they’re such disgusting, slimy little creatures. Why else is it considered such an insult to say to someone: “You’re such a leech?”In the old days, medical doctors would use leeches on people to suck out the presumed poison that was presumably coursing through their veins, causing their illness. In fact, if you read a history of George Washington, you’ll discover that his personal physicians applied leeches ...