You might have used or noticed “PS” in letters, emails, or text messages but never fully understood its meaning.

While new abbreviations like LOL, BTW, and TBH dominate texting, PS remains relevant in personal and formal communication.

Let’s explore its meaning and common uses.

Meaning of PS in Texting

PS stands for “postscript.” It comes from the Latin term postscriptum, meaning “written after.”

• “Post” means “after.”
• “Scriptum” translates to “written.”

A postscript adds extra information after a body of text, often in letters or handwritten notes. Before digital editing, it was a convenient way to avoid rewriting an entire message.

Punctuation Rules for PS

There’s no universal rule on how to punctuate PS. Usage may differ based on formality and regional writing styles.

• In British English, “PS” is commonly used.
• In American English, “P.S.” is often preferred.

Examples of proper punctuation:

Format	Example
PS	PS I’ll be visiting next week.
P.S.	P.S. I’ll be visiting next week.
PS:	PS: I’ll be visiting next week.
P.S.:	P.S.: I’ll be visiting next week.

 

Examples of PS in Letters

1. John Lennon’s Letter:
   John Lennon wrote to a groupie:
   P.S. You might have an aging problem. Me? I wouldn’t go back one day!
2. Ronald Reagan’s Letter:
   Ronald Reagan wrote to his son in 1971:
   P.S. You’ll never get in trouble if you say “I love you” at least once daily.

How to Use PS Effectively

1. Highlight a Key Point
   Use PS to restate essential details from the main text.
   Example:
   P.S. The refund will be processed this week.
2. Express Anger or Frustration
   It can add force to the end of a letter or note.
   Example:
   P.S. This is the last time I’ll tolerate this behavior.
3. Add Humor or Sweetness
   Use it to end a letter with a light or loving note.
   Example:
   P.S. I miss you like the stars, forget the moon.
4. Include an Afterthought
   Add minor details that didn’t fit into the body of the text.
   Example:
   P.S. The books are on sale if you’re interested.
5. Give a Personal Opinion
   Share your thoughts on a subject without changing the letter’s tone.
   Example:
   P.S. Consider settling out of court.
6. Make a Call to Action
   PS is perfect for promotions or marketing campaigns.
   Example:
   P.S. Subscribe now to get 50% off your first month!

Importance of PS in Emails

Even though editing is easy in emails, PS is still valid. It can emphasize key points or actions, especially in marketing or formal correspondence.

Shorter attention spans make PS ideal for drawing attention to one last detail.

PS in Social Media

PS is standard in messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger. You can quickly add forgotten details or emphasize a point. Many people use PS in casual chats to follow up on a previous message.

Alternative Meanings of PS

• PlayStation: The iconic gaming console from Sony is also known as PS.
• Photoshop: Adobe’s photo editing software is often abbreviated as PS.

Conclusion

PS continues to be a versatile tool in both formal and informal writing. Whether you’re adding humor or making an important point, it can make your message more engaging.

P.S. Thanks for reading all the way through!