jonah
n. countable C2 Proficiency US //ˈdʒoʊnə// jon·ah
n. a person who brings bad luck to a group, especially on a journey. The term comes from the biblical story of Jonah and the storm at sea.
n. a person regarded as bringing ill luck or misfortune to a group, particularly in a maritime context. Derived from the biblical figure associated with a storm sent by God.
The captain called him a Jonah for bad luck.
The crew refused to sail with him, calling him a Jonah after three storms hit.
Superstitious sailors often labelled the quiet newcomer a Jonah, blaming his presence for the sudden squall.
From the Hebrew יוֹנָה (yônâh, “dove”). Doublet of Jonas.