Heap

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Heap

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun and verb

Pronunciation

heep  /hiːp/

Definition

As a noun: a disordered pile or mound of things; a large number or amount (informal); a wreck of a car (informal). As a verb: to put in or form a heap; to load or burden with something in large quantities (heap praise upon, heap scorn on).

Plain meaning

A heap is a messy pile — a heap of clothes, a heap of rubble. Heaps of means a large amount of. To heap something on someone means to give or say a great deal of it — heap praise, heap blame. A heap is also an informal word for an old, broken-down car.

Register

Neutral and versatile. Heap is everyday English with a useful informality — heaps of is a British informal alternative to lots of. The heap of praise, heap scorn constructions are standard in journalism. The old heap as a car is informal and colloquial.