Star Trek presents numerous appealing aspects, such as the allure of a utopian future and the limitless potential of space exploration, which alone make the show worth watching. However, without a human perspective, all the excitement and promise lose their impact. Among the crew members of the Enterprise, Dr. Leonard H. McCoy stands out as one of the most memorable characters in the history of science fiction. Fondly nicknamed Bones by Captain Kirk, the origin of this moniker is an intriguing question.
During Star Trek's early days, DeForest Kelley's casting as Leonard McCoy proved to be a fascinating decision. Kelley portrayed the third doctor in the series, as each pilot episode featured a different medical officer handpicked by directors. Despite this, Gene Roddenberry insisted on Kelley, and in the first "official" episode, his wish was granted. Kelly is credited with most of the creative choices that shaped his character's personality, and he transformed the role into an iconic one.
Where Does McCoy's Nickname Come From?
Captain Kirk bestowed the nickname "Bones" upon Dr. McCoy, although its origin varies across different universes. The first time they meet, Kirk refers to him as Bones. "The Man Trap" was McCoy's inaugural episode, which was the sixth one filmed but the first to be aired. Initially, John Hoyt was cast as Dr. Philip Boyce in the rejected pilot, while Paul Fix portrayed Dr. Mark Piper in the second attempt titled "Where No Man Has Gone Before." Before naming DeForest Kelley's character, Gene Roddenberry had already come up with the nickname Bones. He was certain about wanting Kelley for the role and found the idea of calling him Bones appealing, although the explanation had more significance back then. Bones is a playful abbreviation derived from the 19th-century term "sawbones."
Karl Urban portrayed the character of Dr. McCoy in the 2009 film reboot. His performance received praise, even from those who had reservations about how the material was handled. Many considered his portrayal as the best adaptation of an old character to a new setting. Urban's McCoy plays a similar role within the social structure of the Enterprise, but his dynamic with Kirk is slightly different. This version of Kirk and McCoy first cross paths at Starfleet Academy while both working towards securing positions within the organization. Kirk arrives at the Academy after getting into a bar fight with some fellow students, which leads him to encounter Captain Christopher Pike. Pike sees potential in the young hot-headed Kirk and offers him a career like his own as a potential future. On the other hand, McCoy joins Starfleet following a messy divorce, subsequently sharing that his ex-wife took everything, leaving him with nothing but his bones. Kirk seizes this opportunity to twist the situation into a nickname for McCoy. It is worth noting that Karl Urban improvised this line, skillfully altering the character's backstory with a carefully chosen sentence.
How Is McCoy's Nickname Significant?
In his 1837 novel, The Pickwick Papers, Charles Dickens first used the term "sawbones" to describe a doctor, specifically a surgeon. In modern times, surgeons are generally respected. However, during Dickens' era, the perception of surgeons was quite different. While physicians were considered cultured and highly educated, surgeons did not require the same credentials and were often seen as more akin to working-class professions like blacksmiths or bricklayers. The intellectual work of physicians primarily occurred in their minds, placing them on the level of scholars and philosophers. On the other hand, surgeons were tasked with physically touching and treating injured bodies, which was seen as a more humbling and degrading form of assistance. The term "sawbones" specifically refers to the unpleasant task of amputating limbs using a saw. Nowadays, the term is rarely used unless referring to a podcast, where it is meant in a playful manner to acknowledge the harsh realities of past medical practices. It is interesting to ponder how this term will stand the test of time in the year 2266.
Kirk playfully refers to McCoy as "Bones," which diminishes his expertise in life sciences and medical genius. Ironically, McCoy avoids invasive treatments and believes in the body's natural ability to heal. He is skeptical of technology, such as the transporter. Being called "Bones" connects McCoy to a legacy of dedicated professionals who faced challenging circumstances while helping others. Despite not always being appreciated by his patients or understood by his more logical colleagues, McCoy dutifully fulfills his role. This dedication earns him the reputation of being "a good ol' country doctor."
Interestingly, Kirk decides to stop calling McCoy "Bones" after a confrontation with a skeleton in the second season premiere. He tries "Doc" instead, but it doesn't catch on. "Bones" is a more fitting name for a man who proudly embraces his connection to the past. Dr. Leonard McCoy may be an old sawbones, but he is undoubtedly one of the best in his field.
Editor's P/S
Dr. Leonard H. McCoy, better known as Bones, is a beloved character in the Star Trek universe. His nickname, which was given to him by Captain Kirk, has an intriguing origin. In the original series, the nickname was simply a playful abbreviation derived from the 19th-century term "sawbones," which was used to describe a surgeon.
This term was chosen because, during the 19th century, surgeons were not held in the same regard as physicians. They were seen as more akin to working-class professions like blacksmiths or bricklayers. The intellectual work of physicians occurred in their minds, placing them on the level of scholars and philosophers. Surgeons, on the other hand, were tasked with physically touching and treating injured bodies, which was seen as a more humbling and degrading form of assistance. The term "sawbones" specifically refers to the unpleasant task of amputating limbs using a saw.
