5 Surprising Secrets Of P.S.: What The Most Powerful Two Letters In Your Email Really Stand For

The abbreviation P.S. is one of the most recognized and enduring elements of written communication, yet its true power and original meaning are often overlooked in the age of instant messaging. As of December 10, 2025, P.S. remains a highly effective tool, not just for adding an afterthought, but for strategically capturing a reader's attention—a practice that has evolved significantly from its 17th-century origins. Understanding what P.S. stands for—and more importantly, how it functions in modern digital correspondence—is key to mastering both formal etiquette and persuasive copywriting. The simple two-letter initialism, always placed after the signature, is much more than a footnote; it is a direct descendant of a Latin necessity that has morphed into a psychological trigger. The full, original phrase is *post scriptum*, which literally translates to "written after." This ancient root explains its placement and its enduring function as a final, often crucial, piece of information.

The Definitive History and Latin Origin of P.S.

The story of the postscript is a fascinating journey from a practical necessity to a deliberate stylistic choice. Its origins are firmly rooted in the mechanics of early writing.

What is the Latin Phrase Behind P.S.?

The term P.S. is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase Post Scriptum. * *Post*: Meaning "after" or "later." * *Scriptum*: Meaning "that which has been written." Therefore, *post scriptum* means "written after the main text." This etymology is the reason why a postscript is always placed at the very end of a letter, following the closing and the signature.

A Necessity Born of Ink and Typewriters

The practical use of P.S. became common in the 17th century, around the 1610s. In the days of quill pens, ink, and long-form letters, revising or editing a finished letter was a messy, time-consuming process. Once a letter was signed, the writer would have to start over if they remembered a crucial detail they had forgotten to include. The postscript offered a simple, elegant solution: a quick, final addition that didn't require rewriting the entire document. This tradition continued well into the era of typewriters. If a typist forgot a point, they couldn't just backspace and insert a new paragraph; they would have to retype the whole page. The P.S. became a universal sign for an "oops, I almost forgot" moment.

Modern Etiquette: How to Use P.S. in Emails and Formal Letters

While the practical necessity of the P.S. has vanished with digital word processing, its psychological power has only grown. In modern communication, the postscript is a deliberate rhetorical device.

Correct Placement and Formatting

The etiquette for using P.S. is strict, regardless of whether you are writing a formal business letter or a casual email. 1. Always After the Signature: The P.S. must be the very last element of your message, placed after your typed or handwritten signature. 2. Punctuation is Optional but Recommended: Both "P.S." (with periods) and "PS" (without periods) are considered acceptable, though "P.S." is the more traditional and formal choice, reflecting its origin as an abbreviation. 3. Capitalization: The P and S should be capitalized, and the first word of the postscript sentence should also be capitalized.

When to Use P.S. in Professional Communication

In professional and business emails, the P.S. is not only acceptable but can be highly effective if used wisely. * For Unrelated Information: Use it to add a personal or unrelated thought that doesn't fit the main body of the email. For example, a quick congratulation or a personal note. * To Soften a Formal Message: A P.S. can add a touch of personality or informality to an otherwise sterile or formal message. * As an Afterthought: It still serves its original purpose as a place for a genuine, forgotten detail, which makes the message feel more authentic. Crucial Entity Alert: The P.S. should never be used to include the main point or a critical piece of information that the recipient absolutely must see, especially in formal reports or legal documents. That information belongs in the body of the text.

The P.S. as a Copywriting Power Tool (The Marketing Secret)

One of the most significant modern uses of P.S. is in the field of email marketing and sales copywriting. This is where the postscript truly transforms from a linguistic footnote into a powerful psychological tool.

Why the P.S. is the Most-Read Line in an Email

In the digital world, people skim. Studies in eye-tracking and email analytics consistently show that readers often jump straight to the end of a message after reading the opening. They look for the closing, the signature, and the final line—which is the P.S. * High Visibility: Because of its unique placement, the P.S. stands out from the main block of text, making it a high-visibility zone. * Curiosity Trigger: It signals an "extra" thought, which naturally triggers curiosity in the reader's mind, compelling them to read it.

Strategic Uses in Sales and Marketing

Savvy marketers leverage this psychological advantage to boost conversions and engagement. Here are the most effective ways the P.S. is used in modern digital communication: 1. Final Call-to-Action (CTA): Reiterate the main CTA or offer one last, urgent instruction. * *Example: P.S. Don't forget—this 50% off coupon expires at midnight tonight!* 2. Scarcity and Urgency: Use it to introduce a time-sensitive element that encourages immediate action. 3. Risk Reversal/Guarantee: Offer a strong guarantee or a money-back promise to eliminate any final objections. * *Example: P.S. Remember, your purchase is covered by our 30-day, no-questions-asked refund policy.* 4. Testimonials and Social Proof: A quick line sharing a client’s success story or a glowing review can be highly persuasive. 5. Bonus Offer: Add an unexpected free gift or bonus that was not mentioned in the main email body. By using the P.S. strategically, copywriters can ensure their most important, action-driving message is seen, even by a skimmer.

The Extended Postscript: P.P.S. and Beyond

Topical authority requires a look at the extensions of the postscript, which occasionally appear in extremely informal or humorous contexts.

What Does P.P.S. Stand For?

P.P.S. stands for Post Post Scriptum, or "written after the postscript." It is used when the writer has an afterthought after having already written a first postscript. While grammatically correct in its Latin extension, its use is rare in professional settings and is generally reserved for casual letters or emails. Using a P.P.S. often signals extreme informality or a deliberate, humorous lack of organization.

The Rare P.P.P.S.

Theoretically, one could continue this indefinitely: P.P.P.S. (*Post Post Post Scriptum*), and so on. However, anything beyond P.P.S. is almost universally seen as excessive and should be avoided. If you find yourself needing a P.P.P.S., it is a clear sign that you should simply revise and re-edit the main body of your text.

Cultural Footprints and Famous Uses of the Postscript

The P.S. is not just a grammatical term; it has cemented its place in popular culture, demonstrating its power to convey deep emotion or a memorable final thought. * Charles Dickens: The famous author often used the postscript in his letters, sometimes apologetically, to add a final, personal touch to his correspondence. * The Beatles: Perhaps the most famous cultural example is the 1963 song "P.S. I Love You," which immortalized the phrase as a romantic, affectionate sign-off. * Epistolary Novels: The postscript is a common literary device in novels written as a series of letters (epistolary novels), often used to deliver a shocking twist or a sudden revelation that recontextualizes the entire preceding letter. From a Latin necessity to a powerful marketing tool, the postscript has successfully adapted to every communication medium for over 400 years. It is a testament to the enduring power of a final, well-placed thought.

P.S. Now that you know its secrets, you can start using the postscript to make your own emails and letters significantly more compelling!