What Does PS Mean? The Complete Guide to Every Context
What does PS mean is one of those questions that sounds simple — but the answer actually depends on where you see it. You might spot “PS” at the end of a letter, in a text from a friend, on a pair of sneakers, or even on your car’s dashboard. Each context gives it a completely different meaning. Confusing, right?
Don’t worry. This guide breaks down every single meaning of PS — from classic correspondence to modern slang to technical jargon. By the end, you’ll never be stumped by “PS” again.
What Does PS Mean in a Letter or Email?
The most well-known meaning of PS goes back centuries. PS stands for “Post Scriptum” — a Latin phrase meaning “written after.”
The Classic Use of PS in Letters
When someone writes a letter and forgets to mention something important, they add it after their signature. That’s the PS. It’s a note tacked on at the end.
Here’s a simple example:
Best regards,
Sarah
PS — Don’t forget to bring dessert on Friday!
It’s casual. It’s informal. And it works perfectly for adding a last-minute thought.
What Does PS Mean in an Email?
The same rule applies to email. A PS in email comes after the sign-off, not before it. It’s used to add something extra — a reminder, a fun fact, a promotional note, or a personal aside.
Email marketers love using PS strategically. Studies show readers often scroll to the bottom of an email first. So a well-placed PS can boost clicks dramatically.
Key takeaway: In letters and emails, PS = “Post Scriptum” = a note added after the main message.
What Does PS Mean in Text and Slang?
Texting has kept the original meaning mostly intact. When someone texts you “PS…” it usually means they’re adding something extra — an afterthought or follow-up to what they already said.
PS in Everyday Texting
You might get a message like:
“Can’t make it tonight, sorry! PS — happy birthday though 🎉”
Here, PS is used just like in a letter. It’s light, conversational, and feels spontaneous.
What Does PS Mean in Slang?
In some online slang circles, PS can also stand for “Pretty Sure” or be used humorously as a faux-formal sign-off. It’s not as common in that sense, but you’ll see it occasionally.
If you’re curious about other abbreviations used in texting, you might want to check out what does NP mean — another super common one worth knowing.
Key takeaway: In texting, PS almost always means “Post Scriptum” — an extra thought added after the main point.
What Does PS Mean in Shoes?
Here’s where it gets interesting. PS in shoes stands for “Preschool Size.” It’s a sizing category used by major sneaker brands — most notably Nike and Jordan Brand.
PS Shoe Sizing Explained
| Size Category | Abbreviation | Age Range | Typical Size Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toddler | TD | 1–3 years | 2C–10C |
| Preschool | PS | 3–7 years | 10.5C–3Y |
| Grade School | GS | 7–12 years | 3.5Y–7Y |
| Adult | N/A | 12+ years | 7+ |
When you see a Jordan 1 or Nike Dunk listed as “PS,” it means it’s sized for preschool-aged kids. These pairs are popular with sneaker collectors because they’re cheaper than adult sizes and often release in the same colorways.
Why PS Shoes Matter for Collectors
Many sneakerheads buy PS pairs as display pieces or gifts for young children. The price point is lower, and the design is identical to adult versions.
Key takeaway: PS on shoes = Preschool Size, roughly for kids aged 3–7.
What Does PS Mean in Cars?
Cars bring yet another meaning to PS. PS stands for “Pferdestärke” in the automotive world — a German word that translates to “horsepower.”
PS vs HP: What’s the Difference?
| Metric | Full Name | Origin | Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS | Pferdestärke | German | 1 PS ≈ 0.986 HP |
| HP | Horsepower | English | 1 HP ≈ 1.014 PS |
| kW | Kilowatt | International | 1 kW ≈ 1.341 HP |
So if a European car spec sheet says “150 PS,” that’s roughly 148 HP. The difference is tiny — less than 2% — but it matters when comparing specs precisely.
What Does PS Mean on a Car Dashboard?
On your dashboard, you’re unlikely to see “PS” related to Pferdestärke. However, you might see it in service manuals or spec sheets from European manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, or Audi.
Key takeaway: PS in cars = Pferdestärke = the German unit for horsepower.
What Does PS Mean on Instagram and Social Media?
On Instagram and other social platforms, PS is used in captions just like in letters — to add an afterthought, extra context, or a cheeky aside.
How PS Is Used on Instagram
You’ll often see it in long captions, usually near the end:
“…Grateful for every single one of you. PS — new merch drops Friday 👀”
It creates a sense of personality. It feels like a wink to the reader. Smart content creators use PS to sneak in calls-to-action without being too pushy.
Some people also use PPS (Post Post Scriptum) for a second afterthought. And even PPPS — though at that point, it starts to feel like a joke.
If you’re into learning digital slang, you should also explore what does JFC mean or what does SMD mean — two acronyms that come up constantly online.
Key takeaway: On Instagram, PS = a casual “by the way” added to captions for extra flair.
What Does PS Mean in Basketball?
In basketball, PS typically stands for “Preseason.” You’ll see it on game schedules, box scores, and standings to indicate a game wasn’t part of the regular season.
PS in NBA Schedules
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| PS | Preseason |
| RS | Regular Season |
| PO | Playoffs |
| GS | G League (Developmental) |
Preseason games don’t count toward official records. Teams use them to evaluate new players, test lineups, and get their rhythm back after the offseason.
Does PS Stats Count?
No. Preseason stats are tracked but don’t factor into official player or team statistics. A 40-point game in preseason means nothing for leaderboards or awards.
Key takeaway: In basketball, PS = Preseason — games that don’t count toward official standings.
Other Places You’ll See PS
PS pops up in several other contexts too. Here’s a quick rundown:
- PlayStation (PS): Sony’s iconic gaming console brand — PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5.
- Public School: In some school naming conventions (e.g., PS 101 in New York City).
- Photoshop: Designers often abbreviate Adobe Photoshop as “PS.”
- Packet Switching: A networking term used in telecom and IT.
- Power Supply: Used in tech specs for computers and electronics.
If you’re navigating the world of abbreviations, it’s also worth knowing what does WTW mean and what does OFC mean — two that pop up constantly in casual conversation.
And if you’ve ever been confused by what does KMS mean, what does rizz mean, what does FYM mean, or what does GMFU mean — those guides have you covered too.
Quick Reference: PS Meanings by Context
| Context | PS Stands For | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Letters & Email | Post Scriptum | Note added after sign-off |
| Text / Slang | Post Scriptum / Pretty Sure | Added thought or informal use |
| Shoes | Preschool Size | Kids’ shoe sizing category (ages 3–7) |
| Cars | Pferdestärke | German unit for horsepower |
| Post Scriptum | Caption afterthought or CTA | |
| Basketball | Preseason | Non-official games before the season |
| Gaming | PlayStation | Sony’s gaming console brand |
| Design | Photoshop | Adobe’s image editing software |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PS mean in a letter?
PS stands for “Post Scriptum” in a letter. It’s Latin for “written after.” You add a PS below your signature when you want to include an extra thought or reminder that wasn’t part of your main message. It’s been used in written communication for hundreds of years.
What does PS mean in texting?
In texting, PS means the same thing as in letters — an afterthought added after the main point. Someone might text “PS — bring snacks!” to add a quick reminder. Occasionally in slang, PS can mean “Pretty Sure,” but the classic meaning is far more common.
What does PS mean in shoes?
In shoes, PS stands for Preschool Size. It’s used by brands like Nike and Jordan Brand for footwear designed for kids aged roughly 3–7. PS shoes come in sizes from about 10.5C to 3Y and are popular with both parents and sneaker collectors.
What does PS mean on a car?
PS on a car stands for Pferdestärke, the German word for horsepower. One PS is nearly equal to one HP (about 0.986 HP). European car manufacturers commonly use PS in their specs, so 200 PS is roughly 197 HP.
What does PS mean in basketball?
In basketball, PS means Preseason. It labels games played before the official regular season begins. Preseason games help coaches evaluate rosters and prepare players, but the results and stats don’t count toward official records or standings.
Can PS be used more than once in a letter?
Yes! If you need to add another note after your PS, you write PPS (Post Post Scriptum). Need a third? That’s PPPS. In practice, more than one PS starts to look cluttered, so it’s best to use PS sparingly — one well-placed addition is always stronger.
Conclusion
Now you know exactly what PS means across every context that matters. It started as a Latin phrase meaning “written after” — and that core idea has survived for centuries. Whether you’re reading an email, shopping for sneakers, checking car specs, or watching preseason hoops, PS signals the same basic thing: there’s something extra worth noting.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Letters/Email/Texts: Post Scriptum — an afterthought after the sign-off
- Shoes: Preschool Size — kids’ footwear for ages 3–7
- Cars: Pferdestärke — the German equivalent of horsepower
- Basketball: Preseason — non-official games before the season
- Social media: A casual aside added to captions
Next time you see PS anywhere, you’ll know exactly what it means. And if someone in your life is confused about it — share this guide with them.
