What Does PS Mean in Texting? (Explained)
Have you ever received a text message with “PS” at the end and wondered what it means? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! “PS” is actually an abbreviation for “postscript” and is commonly used to add extra information or thoughts after the main message.
Derived from the Latin word “postscriptum,” which means “write after,” “PS” is a way to include additional content that may have been forgotten or wasn’t directly related to the main message. In this article, we’ll delve into the meaning of “PS” in texting and explore how it’s used in different contexts. So, let’s dive in and uncover the secrets behind this little acronym!
Meaning of “PS” in Texting
In texting, “PS” is an abbreviation for “postscript.” The term “postscript” originates from letter and email writing, where it was used to add additional information at the end of a message. The Latin root for “postscript” is “postscriptum,” which roughly translates to “write after.” In text messaging, “PS” serves a similar purpose of adding extra thoughts or information after the main body of the message.
Usage of “PS” in Texting
“PS” is a widely used abbreviation in text messaging that serves a similar purpose to its origins in letter and email writing. It is used to add extra information at the end of a message, usually as an afterthought or additional thought. Here are some common examples of when and how to use “PS” effectively in texting:
1. Adding a reminder: If you forgot to include an important detail in your initial message, you can use “PS” to add a reminder at the end. For example, “I’ll meet you at the park at 3 pm. PS: Don’t forget to bring the volleyball!”
2. Sharing extra information: If there’s something you want to mention that’s not directly related to the main message but still relevant, you can use “PS” to share that information. For example, “I’m going to the concert tonight. PS: I heard there might be some traffic on the way, so leave early if you can.”
3. Making a joke or adding humor: “PS” can also be used to add a lighthearted comment or joke at the end of a message. For example, “Thanks for the help with my presentation. PS: I owe you a cup of coffee and a high five!”
4. Apologizing or clarifying: If you want to apologize for forgetting something or clarify a previous statement, you can use “PS” to do so. For example, “I’m sorry for the late reply. PS: My phone was out of battery.”
Remember, the intention of using “PS” in texting is to add extra information or thoughts that come to mind after the main message. It’s a convenient way to include additional details without having to send a separate message.
Origins of “PS” in Letter and Email Writing
History of Using “PS” in Written Correspondence
The use of “PS” in written correspondence can be traced back to handwritten letters. In the past, when people wrote letters by hand, they often realized they had forgotten to include something after they had already signed off. To add this additional information, they would write “PS” at the end, which stands for “postscript” and roughly translates to “write after” in Latin. This allowed them to include the extra thoughts or information without having to rewrite the entire letter.
Evolution of “PS” in Modern Email Communication
With the advent of email and other digital forms of communication, the use of “PS” has carried over from traditional letter writing. While the need to physically add text at the end of the message no longer exists, the abbreviation is still commonly used to denote additional thoughts or information after the main body of the email. It has become a convention in email etiquette to include a “PS” to draw attention to important points or to add something that was forgotten in the initial message. Despite the shift to digital communication, the purpose of “PS” remains the same – to add an extra note at the end.
Examples of “PS” in Texting
Adding a Personal Note
In a text message, you can use “PS” to add a personal note or extra information at the end of your message. For example, you could write, “I can’t wait to see you tonight for dinner! PS: Don’t forget to bring your favorite dessert.” This allows you to include a specific request or reminder without interrupting the flow of your initial message.
Clarifying Information
“PS” can also be used to clarify or expand on something you mentioned earlier in your text message. For instance, if you’re discussing weekend plans with a friend, you could say, “Let’s meet at the park on Saturday afternoon. PS: Bring your bike if you’d like to go for a ride afterwards.” This helps ensure that your friend understands the full context of your invitation and any additional details.
Adding a Funny or Light-hearted Comment
Using “PS” in a light-hearted or humorous way can add a playful tone to your texts. For example, you could say, “Thanks for the gift! PS: I’m pretty sure I’m winning the ‘Best Friend’ award now.” This allows you to inject some fun into your message and make the recipient smile.
Sharing an Afterthought or Important Information
“PS” can be an effective way to communicate an afterthought or important information that you forgot to mention earlier in your text. For instance, if you’re making plans with a friend and suddenly remember an important detail, you could write, “Let’s meet at the coffee shop at 7 pm. PS: I have a coupon for a free drink, so we’ll each save some money!” This ensures that your friend is aware of the additional information and can adjust their plans accordingly.
Overall, using “PS” in texting allows you to easily and conveniently add extra thoughts or information at the end of your message. It can help you clarify, emphasize, or add a personal touch to your texts, making your communication more effective and engaging.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “PS” is a widely used abbreviation in texting that stands for “postscript.” This term has its origins in letter and email writing, derived from the Latin word “postscriptum.” It is commonly used to add extra information at the end of a message, providing an opportunity to include additional thoughts or important details.
While technology has evolved from handwritten letters to digital communication, the usage of “PS” remains prevalent in text messaging. It offers a convenient and effective way to include supplementary information that may have been forgotten or deemed important after the initial message was composed. So, the next time you’re texting, feel free to use “PS” to add that extra note or thought at the end of your message!
