Unpacking P.S.: The Enduring Charm of the Post Script

Ever found yourself at the end of a letter, suddenly remembering a crucial detail or a witty remark you forgot to include? That's precisely the predicament the "P.S." was designed to solve. Standing for Post Script, this familiar abbreviation hails directly from Latin, where post scriptum literally means "written after."

Before the digital age, when typing a letter was a more laborious process involving typewriters and carbon paper, making corrections or additions was a significant hassle. A forgotten sentence often meant retyping the entire page, or even the whole letter. The postscript offered a convenient, albeit informal, workaround.

The Humble Origins of the Post Script

The practice of adding a postscript dates back centuries, evolving alongside written communication. It was a lifeline for those who preferred to compose their main message and then, as an afterthought, append any additional information. This could range from a missed greeting to a critical piece of news, or even a humorous aside.

• Convenience: Avoided the laborious task of rewriting an entire letter.
• Emphasis: Sometimes used to draw attention to a particular point, often one meant to be remembered.
• Intimacy: Could add a personal, informal touch, making the letter feel more conversational.

More Than Just an Afterthought

While often used for forgotten details, the P.S. developed a charm of its own. It became a place for intimate confessions, urgent updates, or even playful remarks that didn't quite fit the formal body of the letter. Think of famous literary figures or historical personalities—many of their letters are punctuated with memorable postscripts that reveal a glimpse into their personalities or circumstances.

For instance, in sales and marketing, the P.S. was (and sometimes still is) strategically employed. Its placement at the very end of a message meant it was often one of the last things a reader saw, making it an ideal spot for a call to action or a final persuasive statement. It capitalizes on the human tendency to scan and often glance at the very beginning and very end of a document.

The Digital Era and the P.S.

With the advent of email and word processors, the practical necessity of the P.S. has largely diminished. Editing a digital document is effortless; one can simply scroll back and insert forgotten information directly into the main text. Yet, the P.S. persists, albeit in a more stylistic capacity.

Today, you'll often find postscripts used for:

• A final, impactful punchline in an informal email.
• Adding a personal touch or a playful aside.
• Drawing specific attention to a particular offer or link in marketing communications.

Its continued use is a testament to its enduring charm and its ability to capture a reader's attention one last time.

Beyond P.S.: The P.P.S.

If you've ever seen "P.P.S.," you might wonder about its meaning. It stands for Post Post Scriptum, meaning "written after the written after." This signifies a second, additional postscript, usually added when the writer remembered yet another detail *after* already adding the first P.S. It's far less common but occasionally makes an appearance, further emphasizing the informal and spontaneous nature of these additions.

So, the next time you spot a P.S., remember its rich history and its role as a small, significant punctuation mark in the grand story of human communication. It's a charming nod to a bygone era, cleverly adapted to our modern messaging landscape.