jamaica.localmean.com/whole-heap
whole heap
/huɔliːp/WHOLE heap
Local meaning
A lot; many; a large amount or number.
A flexible quantity expression used with countable people or things and with general amounts. A following “a” may link it to what is being counted, as in “whole heap a people.”
Examples in context
- Whole heap a people come fi di show.
- She have whole heap a work fi finish.
How it is used
It can be literal or emphatic. The phrase does not necessarily imply an exact measurable quantity.
Neutral, emphatic, impressed, overwhelmed, or critical.
Counting loosely, describing large amounts, storytelling, and emphasis.
Broadly understood in Jamaica and across Caribbean-influenced speech.
Do not confuse it with a physical heap; many uses are simply quantity expressions.
Spelling and scope
Everyday descriptions of quantity, crowds, work, possessions, and intensity.
- Search and reference forms
uoliipwhole heap awhole heapanuff whole heap
LocalMean keeps common search spellings discoverable. A displayed reference form is informational and does not claim that every community or publication uses one spelling.
Common patterns
- whole heap a people
- whole heap a time
- a whole heap
Read next
All words →Evidence and further reading
These sources support the language, spelling, grammar, or common conversational sense. The entry remains open to correction from Jamaican speakers and qualified reviewers.
- A Learner’s Glossary of JamaicanOpen Grammar Project
Open Jamaican glossary with headwords and IPA.
- A Learner’s Grammar of JamaicanOpen Grammar Project
Open reference for Jamaican spelling, pronunciation, grammar, and examples.