P.P.S.
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Post-post-scriptum (a second postscript) |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Writing & Everyday, Government & Politics |
| Also written | PPS |
P.P.S. has two meanings. It stands for Post-post-scriptum (a second postscript) (Latin) or Parliamentary Private Secretary (UK government).
Meanings of P.P.S. at a glance
| # | P.P.S. stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Post-post-scriptum (a second postscript) | Writing & Everyday › Latin |
| 2 | Parliamentary Private Secretary | Government & Politics › UK Government |
1. Post-post-scriptum (a second postscript)
Writing & Everyday · Latin Abbreviations
Marks a second afterthought that follows an existing P.S. at the end of a letter or email. Further additions continue the pattern (P.P.P.S.), though more than one extra postscript usually reads as playful or disorganized.
Example: P.S. The party starts at seven. P.P.S. Please don't mention it to Dad, because it's a surprise.
The form is modern Latin made by analogy with P.S.; classical Latin had no such word. Writing "P.S.S." is incorrect, since the added P stands for another "post," not a second "script." British usage often prints PPS without periods. Some writers simply add a second "P.S." instead, which style guides also accept.
2. Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS)
Government & Politics · UK Government Abbreviations
Unpaid backbench MP or peer appointed to assist a government minister, acting as the minister's eyes and ears in Parliament. PPSs are not ministers, but they are expected to support government policy and vote with the government.
Example: She resigned as a PPS so she could vote against the welfare cuts.
The role is seen as the first rung on the ministerial ladder. Because they are bound by collective responsibility, rebellions by PPSs usually require resignation. In Northern Ireland PPS also means the Public Prosecution Service, the counterpart of England's CPS.
Related abbreviations
More Latin abbreviations
- op. cit. – Opere citato (in the work cited)
- p.a. – Per annum (per year)
- p.m. – Post meridiem (after midday)
- p.p. – Per procurationem (by agency, on behalf of)
- P.S. – Post scriptum (postscript)
- pinx. – Pinxit (painted it)
- pro tem. – Pro tempore (for the time being)
- prox. – Proximo mense (next month)
See all 53 Latin abbreviations →