When we add an afterthought to the end of our message, why do we preface it with these two letters? Here’s what P.S. really stands for.
What Does “P.S.” Stand For, and How Do You Use It Correctly?
Updated on May 20, 2025
We’ve all done it: typed out an email or handwritten a note, signed it and then remembered something important we forgot to say. That’s when we turn to those two familiar letters at the end, P.S. But what does P.S. stand for?
Much like RSVP or a.m. and p.m., P.S. is a common abbreviation we see all the time, yet many people don’t know its exact meaning. Is it an abbreviation? Is it Latin? And is it still relevant in today’s digital world?
Ahead, we’ll explore the meaning, origin and modern-day uses of P.S., as well as how this tiny afterthought still packs a powerful punch in our personal and professional messages.
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What does P.S. stand for?
P.S. stands for “postscript,” which comes from the Latin word postscriptum, meaning “written after.” In English, the term first appeared in the early 1500s and quickly became a practical solution for letter writers. Before digital tools made editing easy, rewriting a whole letter just to include a forgotten detail was time-consuming. So a short note at the end, introduced by P.S., became the go-to workaround.
Over the next century, the use of the postscript became more popular, and by the 1600s, it was a well-established feature of written communication. Today, while it’s no longer a massive time-saver (computers make it easy to quickly add in our forgotten thoughts), it remains a powerful stylistic tool and one of the most enduring examples of how Latin continues to shape our everyday language.
How do you use P.S. in a letter or email?
According to Grammarly, P.S. should always come after your signature, not before. It’s the final word in your message, whether you’re sending a letter or an email. Both letters should be capitalized: P.S., short for postscript.
But what about the punctuation? The Cambridge Dictionary notes that PS without periods is standard in British English, while American English usually includes the dots. Even major style guides don’t fully agree: The Chicago Manual of Style, for instance, favors PS without punctuation, while the AP Stylebook (which Reader’s Digest follows) includes periods.
The good news? Both versions are correct. As long as you stay consistent, your message will come through loud and clear—periods or no periods.
Is P.S. still relevant in modern writing?
Absolutely. Even in the age of emails, instant messaging and social media, P.S. remains a clever and effective communication tool. What began as a space for forgotten thoughts has evolved into a way to add humor, warmth or emphasis at the end of a message.
You’ll often see P.S. lines used in marketing emails, where brands highlight a deal, nudge a call to action or restate a key benefit in a way that catches the reader’s eye. The logic? People tend to skim emails, and a standalone postscript is one of the last things they’ll read.
In personal messages, a P.S. can soften the tone, add a playful aside or include a heartfelt afterthought that didn’t quite fit in the main body. And on platforms like Instagram or in newsletters, creators use P.S. as a stylistic sign-off—just one way it continues to show up centuries after its original use.
Fun examples and creative ways to use P.S.
While the postscript once served a purely practical purpose, today it’s often used for style, humor or emotional impact. And some of the best examples come from real letters, both famous and everyday.
Take author Charles Dickens, who once signed a letter to a young fan with an apologetic P.S.:
P.S. I don’t write my name very plain, but you know what it is you know, so never mind.
Or comedian John Candy, who cheekily ended a fan letter in 1984 with:
P.S. Could you send me a little something? Acting isn’t working out like I planned.
In more modern contexts, a playful P.S. can make your message feel more intimate, like a secret you saved for last.
P.S. I blame all typos on a severe lack of coffee.
Whether it’s witty, heartfelt or strategic, a well-placed P.S. still grabs attention. And now that you know exactly what P.S. stands for, you can use it to leave a lasting impression.
FAQs
Can you have more than one P.S.?
Yes! After P.S., you can add more, using P.P.S. (post-postscript), P.P.P.S. and so on. Just don’t overdo it; beyond two or three, it can start to feel cluttered or confusing.
Is P.S. too casual for professional communication?
Not necessarily. If you’re wondering what P.S. stands for in a modern workplace, it’s more than just an afterthought; it can emphasize a key point, add warmth or prompt action in a professional email.
Can you use P.S. in texts or casual messages?
Yes. While less common than in letters or emails, some people use P.S. in texts or DMs as a playful nod to traditional writing. It’s a fun way to add a quirky afterthought or final joke in informal chats.
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Sources:
- Grammarly: “What Does ‘PS’ Mean? How to Use It Correctly”
- Cambridge Dictionary: “PS”
- The Chicago Manual of Style: “Abbreviations”
- Letters of Note: “Happy Birthday, Dickens”
- Letters of Note: “Could you send me a little something?”
