I still remember the first time I ended an email and saw someone write “PS:” at the bottom. I stared at the screen wondering, why are they adding random letters after signing off?
I thought the email was over! But then I realized it wasn’t a mistake it was intentional, and actually a super common writing tool.
So if you’ve seen PS in letters, emails, or even Instagram captions and wondered what it means, you’re not alone!
Quick Answer:
PS means “Postscript.”
It’s a polite, simple way to add an extra note after your main message is finished.
🧠What Does PS Mean in a Letter?
PS stands for Postscript, which comes from Latin post scriptum, meaning “written after.”
It’s used when you want to add something extra at the end of a message usually something you forgot to mention or a friendly reminder.
Example:
“PS: Don’t forget to bring your ID tomorrow!”
In short:
PS = Postscript = an added note after the main message.
📱Where Is PS Commonly Used?
You’ll often see PS used in several places not just old-school letters. It’s still extremely popular today!
📍 Where people commonly use PS:
- ✉️ Traditional letters
- 📧 Emails
- 💬 Professional messages
- 📝 Personal notes
- 📢 Marketing & sales emails
- 📸 Social media captions (for humor or emphasis)
👉 Tone: PS is friendly, casual, and sometimes persuasive, but it can also be used professionally.
💬Examples of PS in Conversation
Here are some quick, realistic examples of how PS appears in writing:
Example 1
A: Sending the report now.
B: thanks! PS: don’t forget to add the appendix later.
Example 2
A: had fun today!
B: same!! PS: send me the pics 😂
Example 3
Email:
“Please review the attached file.
PS: I’ll be offline after 6 PM.”
Example 4
A: your birthday gift is delayed 😭
B: it’s okay haha. PS: can’t wait to see it tho!
Example 5
A: Just confirming our 4pm meeting.
B: perfect. PS: bring the printed documents if you can.
Example 6
A: good luck on your exam!!
B: thank youuu 💛 PS: pray for me 😭
Example 7
A: Thanks for inviting me!
B: always! PS: next time dinner is on me 😄
🕓When to Use and When Not to Use PS
✅ When to Use PS
- When you forgot to mention something earlier
- When adding a friendly reminder
- When making a casual afterthought
- When writing emails or letters with a warm tone
- When adding humor or personality
- In marketing or sales emails for a final CTA
❌ When Not to Use PS
- In very formal business letters
- In official documents or legal communication
- When the message is urgent
- When clarity is more important than style
- In situations requiring professionalism and structure
📊 Comparison Table
| Context | Example Phrase | Why It Works |
| Friend Chat | “PS: I saved you some cake 😄” | Casual & friendly |
| Work Chat | “PS: Please check slide 4 as well.” | Clear & polite |
| Email (formal) | “Please review the attached proposal.” | More professional than using PS |
| Letter | “PS: Tell your mom I said hello!” | Warm & personal |
| Sales Email | “PS: Don’t miss your 20% discount.” | Strong CTA |
🔄Similar Slang Words or Alternatives
Here are some alternatives you can use instead of PS:
| Slang / Term | Meaning | When to Use |
| BTW | By the way | Casual texts & chats |
| FYI | For your information | Work messages or helpful notes |
| NB | Important note | Academic or official writing |
| PPS | Post-postscript (another PS) | When you want to add a second extra note |
| Side note | Extra information or thought | Friendly or conversational writing |
| One more thing | Additional point | Formal + casual messages |
❓FAQs
1. Is PS still used today?
Yes! Even though it comes from traditional letters, people still use PS in emails and even social media captions.
2. Is PS professional?
It can be. It’s acceptable in semi-formal emails, but avoid it in highly formal or corporate documents.
3. Do I capitalize PS?
Yes, always. Write PS or P.S.
Both are correct.
4. Can you use PS in texting?
Definitely people use it to add a quick afterthought, joke, or reminder.
5. What is PPS?
It means “Post-postscript” used when you want to add another note after a PS.
6. Is PS the same as BTW?
Not exactly.
PS is added at the end of a message, while BTW goes inside the message.
