In the beloved Star Trek universe, fans both old and new are familiar with Captain James T. Kirk’s (played by William Shatner) affectionate nickname for the U.S.S. Enterprise’s chief medical officer, Dr. Leonard McCoy (portrayed by DeForest Kelley): “Bones.” Their camaraderie allowed them to slip into a more casual mode of communication, with McCoy often calling Kirk “Jim” instead of “Captain.” But what’s the origin of this peculiar moniker?
The nickname “Bones” traces back to the term “Old Sawbones,” a common title for doctors during the mid-19th century. In that era, particularly during wartime, physicians were frequently summoned to the battlefield to treat injured soldiers. With rudimentary medical tools and lacking modern sterilization practices, doctors often resorted to amputating limbs riddled with infection—a gruesome practice. They sawed through bones without anesthesia, hence the term “Sawbones.” This colloquialism was well-known enough in the 1960s that audiences of Star Trek would grasp its meaning immediately.
Interestingly, “Star Trek” may have popularized the term to a point where it eclipsed its historical roots. By the 1970s, nobody referred to doctors as “Bones” beyond the context of McCoy, leading to a new generation of fans who might not be aware of its origins. While many might have heard the term “Sawbones,” its significance became somewhat lost. Even the writers behind subsequent Star Trek installments seemed to overlook this history.
This brings us to the 2009 “Star Trek” reboot directed by J.J. Abrams. In this prequel, set before the original series, we witness a younger Kirk (played by Chris Pine) and McCoy (played by Karl Urban) as they embark on their Starfleet journeys. During a tense moment on a cramped transport vessel, McCoy expresses his fear of the ship breaking down. The young doctor shares a rather personal anecdote about his divorce and quips, “All I got left is my bones,” prompting Kirk to seemingly adopt the nickname.
This portrayal, however, comes off as misguided. Had the writers been more familiar with Star Trek lore, they might have preserved the rich etymology behind McCoy’s nickname instead of carving out a new explanation that diminishes its historical weight. Fans of the franchise are known for their attention to detail, and this particular misstep is one of the more conspicuous blunders.
So the next time you dive into J.J. Abrams’ interpretation of Star Trek, remember: “Bones” is more than just a casual nickname; it’s a testament to a bygone era of medical practice that was once understood but has since faded from common vernacular. Embrace the opportunity to critique that scene—and let your Trekkie spirit shine through.
