The Myth of Captain Kirk Saying 'Beam Me Up Scotty'

The phrase 'Beam me up Scotty' is often associated with Captain James T. Kirk from the Star Trek franchise, but he never actually said it in that exact form in the original series. This article explores the truth behind this myth and delves into the real phrases Kirk used for the transporter.

The Truth Behind the Myth

It's a common misconception that Captain Kirk said the exact phrase 'Beam me up Scotty.' In reality, this line is a popular regional variant of the catchphrase 'Beam us up Jerry.'

No Exact Phrase in the Original Series

Despite popular belief, Captain Kirk never said 'Beam me up Scotty' in the original Star Trek series or any of the films. The closest instance of a similar phrase can be found in the episode 'The Gamesters of Triskelion,' where Captain Kirk says, “Beam me to that area, Lieutenant.”

Scotty's Role

Scotty, the Chief Engineer, was the one who was typically at the controls of the transporter. Calling for the transporter to activate usually included the phrase 'Beam us up, Scotty.' For example, Kirk would often say, 'Beam us up, Scotty,' or 'Scotty, beam us up.'

Imagined Dialogues in the Movies

In the movies, there are instances where Scotty says 'Beam me up.' For instance, in the film 'The Wrath of Khan,' Admiral Marcus states, 'Beam me up.' This has led to confusion, as many viewers are unaware that this line was spoken by an artificial intelligence, not Kirk or Scotty.

Other Phrases Used

Kirk often used phrases like 'Two to beam up' or 'Mr. Scott, beam me up' before the transporter would be engaged. These phrases were the actual signals used by the crew to initiate the transporter process.

Common Misquotations

There are several other phrases from Star Trek that are often misquoted. For example, Dr. McCoy famously said 'He's dead, Jim,' not 'He's dead, Luke.' Another popular phrase is 'I want it all, I want it now,' which should be 'God why would you let a beautiful night of starry wonder turn into the worst craps game ever.'

Conclusion

So, the myth is indeed a myth. Captain Kirk never said 'Beam me up Scotty,' and this phrase entered popular culture due to the Mandela Effect, a phenomenon where a significant number of people collectively hold a false memory of an event that never occurred. The real signals and phrases used in the original Star Trek series and movies have been overshadowed by this popular misquotation.

Understanding the real history and dialogue of Star Trek not only enhances the viewing experience but also deepens the appreciation for the true storyline and characters of the franchise. So, the next time someone asks you about Captain Kirk saying 'Beam me up Scotty,' you can confidently say, 'He never said it, but you can say it all you want.'