You’ve seen it at the end of letters, emails, and maybe even a message from a friend: P.S. But what exactly does it mean, where did it come from, and why do we still use it?
Let’s break down what “P.S.” stands for, its origins in written communication, how it evolved into digital language, and how you can use it today — both stylistically and strategically.
What Does “P.S.” Stand For
P.S. stands for postscript, from the Latin phrase post scriptum, meaning “written after.” A postscript is a thought or piece of information added after the main message and after your signature.
Back when people wrote letters by hand or used typewriters, if you remembered something after signing off, you couldn’t just scroll up and insert it. Instead, you'd add a postscript — a convenient way to say “Wait, one more thing…”
That habit carried over into printed letters and, later, email. Today, while it’s no longer a necessity, the P.S. is still used because it grabs attention — and often delivers the most memorable part of the message.
P.S. Meaning in Letters
In traditional letters, the P.S. served a practical purpose. You finished the message, signed it, and then remembered something else. Instead of rewriting everything, you’d simply add a postscript.
But beyond convenience, the P.S. often adds a human touch — an emotional aside, a personal nudge, or a second thought that didn’t fit into the main body of the message.
You might write:
- P.S. I’m still thinking about our conversation.
- P.S. Don’t forget to bring the documents with you on Thursday.
In more formal letters, using a P.S. can be tricky. Tone and context matter. When used sparingly and purposefully, it can strengthen your message. But if the note feels forced or repetitive, it might undermine the professionalism of the original message.
The placement is important too: always add your P.S. after your signature. That’s the standard, regardless of whether you're writing by hand or typing in a digital document.
P.S. in Digital Communication
The shift from paper to digital didn’t make the P.S. obsolete — it made it optional. But that hasn’t stopped it from being powerful.
In email marketing, the P.S. is often used to reinforce a call to action. Because readers scan, the postscript stands out as one of the most visible lines. That makes it prime real estate for a reminder, a deadline, or a teaser.
For example:
- P.S. Early bird pricing ends Friday at midnight.
- P.S. We saved you a spot — claim it before it’s gone.
This visibility makes the P.S. a favorite among email marketers. Used well, it doesn’t feel pushy — it feels personal. It’s a second voice at the end of the message saying, “Just in case you missed it…”
For more on how your message infrastructure impacts deliverability, see our comparison of SMTP vs Mailchimp, which also covers how formatting and sender credibility affect opens and clicks.
What Does P.S. Mean in Text Messages
In texts and DMs, the P.S. loses its formality but gains flavor. It’s more about expression than structure — used for jokes, clarifications, or emphasis. Think of it as a conversational comeback at the end of a digital exchange.
You might see:
- P.S. You’re still buying dinner next time, right?
- P.S. I meant 8 p.m., not 6.
In texting, it often adds a final thought that’s humorous, sincere, or dramatic — a casual twist that mimics real conversation. It works well because it feels unexpected and personal.
Variations and Misinterpretations
As the term evolved, so did the confusion around it.
Some people think “P.S.” stands for “please see.” It doesn’t. Others use it like “by the way,” which can sometimes work, but it’s not quite the same.
You might also see:
- PPS: A second postscript (post-postscriptum)
- PPPS: A third one — though that’s usually where things start to get messy
While these are technically correct, they’re best reserved for informal writing. If you have that much more to say, it likely belongs in the main message instead.
Depending on the audience, some readers may also be unfamiliar with the convention — especially in multilingual or global communication settings. That’s why clarity is more important than cleverness when using it.
Linguistic and Stylistic Insights
Why does the P.S. work so well?
Because it mirrors how we speak. It interrupts the traditional structure of writing and adds a layer of informality — like circling back in conversation to say, “Oh, and one more thing…”
That change in tone re-engages the reader. It also highlights key information. Psychologically, it’s one of the first and last things readers notice, making it ideal for reinforcing your main message.
If your message feels too polished or robotic, a P.S. can bring it back to sounding like you.
P.S. in Marketing and Advertising
Few tools are more valuable in email marketing than a well-placed P.S.
It feels personal but persuasive. It’s where you can highlight an incentive, create urgency, or reiterate the value of an offer. And because it sits at the bottom of the message — away from the body copy — it can avoid sounding like a hard sell.
Consider:
- P.S. Need more time? The trial runs through Sunday night.
- P.S. Still not sure? You can cancel anytime.
These lines convert because they feel like helpful nudges, not pressure.
For more on how technical setup affects performance, check out QuiverMail’s breakdown of SMTP vs Mailchimp deliverability. A strong PS won’t work if your emails don’t land.
Grammar and Formatting Guidelines
There are a few stylistic considerations when using a P.S.
- Capitalization: Both “P.S.” (with periods) and “PS” (without) are acceptable. American English tends to prefer periods.
- Placement: Always comes after your sign-off and signature.
- Length: Keep it short. A P.S. should be concise and memorable.
- Additional notes: If you need to add more than one postscript, use PPS, then PPPS — but be mindful. Too many can feel cluttered or confusing.
If your P.S. runs longer than a sentence or two, it may be better placed in the body of the message. Brevity makes the P.S. effective.
Cultural and Historical Trivia
The postscript has shown up in some unexpected places.
Jane Austen, for example, often used P.S. lines in her letters to add wit and commentary. Politicians have used postscripts in correspondence to reinforce their core messages. In pop culture, “P.S. I Love You” became a movie title, a song lyric, and a recurring theme in modern storytelling.
Even today, using a P.S. is a way of breaking the fourth wall — inviting your audience into a more candid, direct conversation.
It’s a small tool with a long track record of impact.
Conclusion
A P.S. is more than an afterthought. It’s a strategic, stylistic, and emotional tool that adds clarity, personality, and power to your message.
You can use it in formal letters, marketing emails, text messages — anywhere you want to create emphasis or connection. What started as a handwritten workaround is now a rhetorical device with digital staying power.
Use it wisely. Use it purposefully.
P.S. Your next message could be more effective just by adding one small line.