If you've ever written or received a letter, email, or even a text message, you’ve likely come across the abbreviation "P.S." at the end of the communication. But what does it actually mean, and how is it used? In this blog post, we’ll explore the meaning of "P.S." and its significance in various types of correspondence, including letters, emails, and text messages.

What Does "P.S." Stand For in Text?

The abbreviation "P.S." stands for Post Scriptum, which is Latin for "written after" or "after the writing." When you see "P.S." in a letter, email, or text, it’s a way of adding an additional thought or message after the main body of the communication has been concluded. In simpler terms, it’s an afterthought or something the writer forgot to mention earlier.

The use of "P.S." dates back to the 16th century and has been a popular feature in handwritten letters and more recently, in digital communications like emails and texts. It's a tool for adding something extra without altering the main structure of the letter or message.

"P.S." in Letters

In traditional letter writing, "P.S." was commonly used to add any forgotten information or to include something that the writer felt was important but didn’t fit into the main body of the letter. It served as a way to close off the letter and then quickly add something else, often at the last minute.

In the past, when letters were handwritten, it would have been difficult to go back and add a section in the middle of the letter. So, a writer might write "P.S." at the bottom of the letter, followed by a new thought or addition.

Example:

Dear John,

I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to thank you for the invitation to your wedding, and I’m looking forward to attending.

Best regards,
Sarah

P.S. I’ve attached a gift card with a small contribution for your honeymoon fund.

Notice that the postscript is not essential to the core message of the letter. It is a separate note that adds a final thought or piece of information that the writer wants to share after the main content.

What Does "P.S." Mean in Emails?

The meaning of "P.S." in emails is largely the same as in traditional letters: it serves as an afterthought or additional piece of information added to the end of an email. It’s still a helpful way to bring attention to something the sender might have forgotten to mention earlier in the email body.

In an email, using "P.S." allows the sender to highlight important details or reminders without disrupting the flow of the message. Although it’s often seen as informal, it can be effective in both personal and professional correspondence when used appropriately.

For instance, in a professional email, you might add a "P.S." to remind someone of a follow-up action or to include something they might need to know:

Example:

Dear Mr. Thompson,

I hope you’re doing well. As discussed, please find attached the latest financial report. Let me know if you have any questions or need additional data.

Best regards,
Clara Thompson

P.S. I’ll be out of the office next Thursday, so please reach out before then if you need anything urgent.

In this example, the P.S. gives the recipient important information without altering the main message of the email.

"P.S." in Text Messages

While "P.S." is more commonly associated with formal letters and emails, it has also made its way into text messages. In texting, the use of "P.S." can add a personal touch or clarify something that was left unsaid in the main message.

For example, if you’ve sent a text to a friend about meeting up and then remember something else that you need to tell them, you might add a quick "P.S." at the end of the message. Here’s an example:

Example:

Hey! I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow. Let’s meet at the café at 3 pm.
P.S. I just remembered I have your book with me! I’ll bring it tomorrow.

In a text, "P.S." is often used in a more casual or friendly way, adding a personal and informal layer to the conversation.

"P.S." in Emails: Why Is It Still Used?

In the age of modern technology, you might wonder why "P.S." still holds relevance, especially in emails, which can easily be edited or corrected before sending. The reason "P.S." is still used is because it serves multiple purposes:

Clarity: It brings attention to a piece of information that might otherwise be overlooked. Whether it’s a reminder, a quick thought, or something important that was forgotten earlier, the postscript stands out at the end of the email.
Tone and Personality: Adding a postscript gives your message an informal and human touch, which can make your communication feel more personal. In a professional context, it can show you are organised and mindful of additional details.
Convenience: Instead of rewriting the entire email, the postscript allows you to quickly add any extra information at the end.
While it’s more commonly used in informal emails or letters, many professional emails also include a P.S. to offer a little extra information or reminder.

Post Scriptum Meaning: Understanding the Latin Root

The term "Post Scriptum" comes from the Latin words post meaning "after" and scriptum meaning "written." So, when you add a P.S. at the end of a letter, email, or text, you’re literally adding something "written after" the main content.
Understanding this Latin origin helps explain the role of the postscript as an afterthought or additional comment that comes after the main writing. While this term may seem old-fashioned, its purpose has remained unchanged over the centuries.

Common Uses of "P.S."

Now that we know what "P.S." means and how it’s used, let’s explore some of the most common contexts where a postscript might appear:

  • Reminder: Often, a postscript is used to remind the recipient of something important that they might have missed or forgotten.
  • Urgent Information: If there is something urgent or time-sensitive that needs to be mentioned, a P.S. can help highlight this in the letter or email.
  • Personal Touch: In personal letters or informal emails, a postscript can add a note of affection, personal interest, or even humour.
  • Final Thought: A P.S. often serves as a final comment, providing one last opportunity to share a thought before the letter is concluded.

Conclusion

The use of "P.S." may seem simple, but it carries significant meaning in both personal and professional correspondence. Whether you’re sending a formal letter or a casual text message, using "P.S." appropriately can help you add important details, reminders, or even a personal touch to your communication.
As you can see, the "P.S." is a versatile tool in letter writing, emails, and text messages, allowing you to express yourself clearly and concisely.

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