PS is an abbreviation for postscript—an additional thought added at the end of an email, letter, or text used to add an extra detail or separate note.
Ever seen a PS attached onto the end of an email, text, or post and wondered what does PS mean?
PS is an acronym for ‘Postscript’ which is an age-old method of attaching an afterthought at the end, especially when the writer forgets to mention an important detail in the letter.
Surprisingly, this old-school method is still very much relevant and popular among Gen Z, as these two words convey a lot.
Intrigued to know more?
Join me as I decode the PS meaning in simple terms and analyze its relevance in today’s digital communication.
PS is a Latin word that stands for ‘postscript’ and translates to ‘written after’ in English. Originally, the abbreviation PS was used in handwritten letters and printed notes to add an extra detail, afterthought, or reminder.
Basically, it’s a quick addition emphasizing something important that the writer forgot to mention in the main content. So instead of rewriting the entire letter again, people simply add PS at the end.
The PS meaning and expression are still relevant in the age of digital communication to:
Some prevalent examples of PS slang usage are as follows:
Casual Texting:
Social Media:
Emails:
The expression PS was originally used in the 16th century for handwritten letters. In the initial days of writing and the early stage of printing, rewriting a letter or a piece of content was a time-consuming task.
So if someone forgets to mention an important detail, they would add it at the end by labeling it PS. As the channels of communication grew and texting came into the picture, this habit turned into a writing convention to give a personal touch or emphasize something important.
So over time, the PS didn’t disappear; instead, it evolved into a writing style.
In the modern age of virtual interactions, where we can instantly connect with anyone globally and even edit our sent messages, PS remains relevant. Adding it at the end makes the message more personal, natural, and conversational.
Here are the main uses of PS in contemporary digital interactions.
The expression “PS” is a very convenient method for conveying additional information at the end of the email or message. This slang is highly used in email marketing to promote offers, bonuses, deals, and testimonials to create a call to action. Here’s how to use the PS in a letter or chat to make the best use of it.
Use the phrase PS in a letter, chat, or email to add some other information that you’ve missed earlier. You can specifically use it while asserting something that’s outside the main topic of the message.
If something clicks in your mind after completing the mail, text, or letter, feel free to write it at the end by tagging it as PS.
To make the recipient properly understand your message, you can add PS at the end followed by a further clarification.
Use PS to sum up your entire mail or add key points, especially if it’s business-related mail. This way you can make it easy for the receiver to focus on the key content of your project.
Add some humor or your observations to get the recipient’s attention at the end of the write-up with a PS. This is the best way to add a surprise element to your letter.
Use PS to highlight special deals, discounts, or offers to boost your marketing strategy, especially if it’s a limited-time opportunity.
If you feel an important event, upcoming deadline, or previously agreed-upon deal might be overlooked, quickly remind the recipient by simply writing PS.
Add a personalized note expressing gratitude, appreciation, or acknowledgement by adding PS. It allows you to show concern without compromising the main content of your message.
A PS definitely catches the eye of the readers. So if you need an immediate response, add PS to ensure active engagement. Adding a PS at the end is an important aspect of strategic marketing.
Adding PS in letters and emails creates a positive impression of the sender and also increases the impact of the message on the recipient. Using PS in digital communication is important to create a more relaxed tone, add a personal touch, and clarify things without exaggerating the message content.
Be thoughtful of the tone and context of your email or message content before adding the PS, as you cannot abruptly use it in every message. The following tips will help you precisely use the PS abbreviation in your write-ups.
Yes, PS has a few different meanings as well, but it’s not related to writing or messaging. The other meanings of PS include:
No, PS is not a harmful phrase for kids to use. This slang phrase simply means postscript and doesn’t have any explicit meaning. So there’s nothing inappropriate, offensive, or unsafe about this expression. If you notice your little fellow using it to add an extra thought or friendly note at the end of the message; there’s nothing to worry about.
However, PS in itself is not harmful, but you should watch out for what’s written after it. It’s important to teach your children to be respectful while interacting with people online.
Besides, take note that not every word on the web is safe. Hence, you should set up parental control software to block the explicit content. A reliable parental control app like Norton Family or Aura will keep your kids protected from strangers online while blocking inappropriate content and informing you about their whereabouts.
Well, PS started as a little trick to add an extra detail that people initially forgot in a handwritten letter but it’s surprising how it survived the test of time and remains relevant in direct messages today.
So whether you want to add a quick reminder or toss a fun comment, PS slang is a no-brainer’s choice to keep the conversation casual and quickly grab attention. This teeny-tiny detail can really make your DMs unique and connecting.
For more such fun and easy-going modern teen slang, you should definitely check out the text slang dictionary.
PS is an abbreviation for postscript—an additional thought added at the end of an email, letter, or text used to add an extra detail or separate note.
PS is a latin word postscriptum, used for adding an afterthought in correspondence. On the other hand, NB stands for Note Well, which is also a Latin word used for marking an important detail mainly in academic or formal writing to highlight its importance.
PS in SoCal (Southern California) refers to Palm Springs, which is a local desert highly adored by natives. However, the term ‘Public Safety Power Shutoff’ (PSPS) is a program by utility companies where the power is temporarily shut down during dangerous fire weather conditions.
To correctly use the PS in text, add it after your signature in a mail for adding an extra thought or important detail that you forgot to mention earlier. Keep it short, stay consistent with your chosen format, and add a personal touch.
PS on social media means ‘postscript,’ used to add a reminder or extra detail after the main message or signature.
