Helpings = portion of food?
I heard a person say "I want a second helpings. One dish is not enough." And I have to look up in a dictionary. Do you even use this word "helpings" to mean a portion of food? How common? Thank you

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Answer

"helping" is somewhat common here in America.  I probably  use it once every month or two.

By the way, after words like "first", "second", and "third", use singular nouns.
Bob just got a third job.
Sally asked for a fourth helping of cake.

Answer

"Second helping" is used, but not as commonly as "seconds," "thirds," fourths," etc. (meaning to return for more food a second time, a third time, etc.).