Before he was the cantankerous, indispensable “Bones” of the USS Enterprise, Dr. Leonard McCoy almost had a nickname that sounded more like a grocery list item than a medical professional. Whereas fans have spent decades associating the doctor with his grit and surgical precision, the early creative stages of Star Trek: The Original Series nearly took a much stranger turn with a nickname that rhymed with “dumb”: Plum.
From “Plum” to the Sawbones Legacy
The transition from “Plum” to “Bones” represents a pivotal shift in character identity. While “Plum” lacked a clear connection to McCoy’s profession or personality, “Bones” was a calculated choice by creator Gene Roddenberry. The nickname is a streamlined version of “sawbones,” a 19th-century colloquialism for surgical doctors. By anchoring McCoy’s nickname in historical medical slang, Roddenberry gave the character a grounded, old-school sensibility that contrasted perfectly with the futuristic setting of the 23rd century.
This linguistic shorthand became a cornerstone of the dynamic between McCoy and Captain James T. Kirk. It transformed a professional relationship into a brotherly bond, signaling a level of intimacy and trust that defined the “command troika” alongside Spock. The nickname didn’t just describe his job. it humanized the physician, framing him as the emotional heart of the ship.
The Art of the Starfleet Nickname
McCoy wasn’t the only crew member to benefit from a signature moniker. Montgomery “Scotty” Scott similarly became inseparable from his nickname. However, the casting of Scotty provides an interesting parallel to the evolution of the series. While James Doohan, a Canadian, originated the role, the franchise eventually moved toward casting authenticity, with a true Scotsman finally taking over the role in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
For McCoy, the depth of the character extended far beyond a catchy name. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2227 and educated at the University of Mississippi, Leonard Horatio McCoy spent a combined twenty-seven years as chief medical officer aboard the USS Enterprise and USS Enterprise-A. He wasn’t just a surgeon; he was an accomplished psychologist and exobiologist, making him the essential human counterbalance to Spock’s logic.
Quick Breakdown: The McCoy Files
- Original Nickname: Plum
- Final Nickname: Bones (derived from “sawbones”)
- Core Expertise: Surgery, psychology, and exobiology
- Service Record: 27 years as CMO of the Enterprise and Enterprise-A
The shift from the nonsensical “Plum” to the evocative “Bones” highlights how small editorial decisions can shape a pop-culture icon. One choice turned a quirky detail into a lifelong brand for one of sci-fi’s most beloved physicians.
FAQ: Dr. McCoy’s Identity
Why was McCoy almost called “Plum”?
While the specific creative reasoning isn’t detailed, it was an early nickname considered before Gene Roddenberry settled on “Bones.”
What does “sawbones” actually imply?
It’s a 19th-century term used to describe surgeons, referencing the visceral nature of early medical procedures.
Which of the three actors who have stepped into McCoy’s boots do you think best captured the doctor’s signature blend of cynicism and compassion?
