Ever noticed the little “PS” at the end of a letter or email and wondered, what does PS mean in a letter? You’re not alone! That tiny duo of letters carries a whole lot of weight—and a sprinkle of personality. Whether you’re sliding into someone’s DMs or sending a formal email, “PS” is that cheeky add-on that says, “Wait, I forgot something!” Let’s dive into the cool, meme-worthy, and downright funny world of “PS” and explore what it really means.
Origin Story: Where Does “PS” Even Come From?
PS is short for postscript, which literally means “written after.” The term comes from Latin: post scriptum (post = after, scriptum = writing). It’s basically the ancient Roman equivalent of a sudden brainwave: “Oh, I forgot to tell you this!”
Back in the days of handwritten letters and typewriters, it wasn’t easy to add extra info once you’d finished writing and sealed the envelope. So folks just added “PS” after signing off to slip in a last-minute thought. This little note was like an official “Oops, forgot to mention” clause.
What Does PS Mean In A Letter Today? (And How To Use It)
Fast forward to today, and PS is still going strong. Now, it’s not just about literally adding a forgotten note; it’s also a stylistic tool that spices up your message. Think of PS as the mic-drop moment at the end of your message.
Here’s how you can use it:
- Add a final thought or reminder: Did you forget to say something important or want to highlight a detail?
- Lighten the mood: Toss in a joke, meme reference, or emoji for that extra punch.
- Direct your reader: Maybe you want to nudge them toward a link, social handle, or next steps.
Example in a chat:
Hey, I’m free for coffee tomorrow at 3? Let me know!
PS: Coffee’s on me ☕️😉
PS Etiquette: When To Use (And When To Chill)
Using PS is pretty casual, so it fits best when you want to keep things friendly or personal. In super formal letters (think legal docs or formal business proposals), you might want to avoid it to keep things professional.
Top PS etiquette tips:
- Do use PS to add a friendly, personal touch.
- Don’t use PS repeatedly—one or two max, or it looks like you didn’t plan your message.
- Do keep it brief; a sentence or two is perfect.
- Don’t confuse PS with a signature or main message.
The Funniest Ways “PS” Pops Up Online 😂
Here’s where things get meme-tastic. Online, people get so creative with PS that it becomes a little comedy show. The internet loves tossing funny or sarcastic postscripts that make readers do a double-take.
Example time! Check out this snappy DM snippet:
Just wanted to say hope you have an awesome day!
PS: If you don’t, blame my cat, he’s in a mood.
Or on Twitter:
Finished my work early today!
PS: Pretended my plant was my boss while I hid from emails.
Then there’s the ultra-meta PS, where people add a PS to a PS (sometimes called a P.P.S) for even more chaotic humor:
PS: Forgot to say, you’re amazing.
PPS: Also, I want tacos.
And don’t get me started on the viral memes that use PS to sneak in savage burns or unexpected punchlines. PS is like the internet’s secret weapon for trolling with charm.
Quick PSA: What Not To Do With PS
- Don’t use PS to sneak in secret info that should be in the main message. That’s shady.
- Avoid dumping entire paragraphs after “PS.” It kills the vibe.
- Don’t forget PS entirely if you’ve actually important stuff to add—it can look like you missed it.
- Beware of overloading messages with multiple PSs—it can come off as messy or unprofessional unless you’re aiming for hilarious chaos.
Ready To Use PS Like A Pro?
So next time you shoot off a letter, email, or text, think of “what does PS mean in a letter?” as your secret sauce to add personality and humor. Use it wisely, drop those last-minute nuggets, and watch your messages get that extra sparkle.
Whether it’s a serious memo or a goofy DM, PS keeps the convo fun and fresh. Now, open your keyboard, and give that PS the spotlight it deserves! 🎉
