The Origin of the Term TARDIS: A Journey through Time

The term 'TARDIS' has become a cultural icon, closely associated with the British science fiction series, Doctor Who. However, the question remains: who exactly invented this term?

Introduction of TARDIS

The term 'TARDIS' was first mentioned way back in 1963, in the very first episode of Doctor Who, titled 'An Unearthly Child'. Susan, the Doctor's granddaughter, said she invented the name. However, it wasn't until the 1970s that 'TARDIS' was 'retconned'—retroactively changed for continuity in the show’s lore.

The Character Behind TARDIS

According to Greg Pope’s detailed answer, the term 'TARDIS' was actually invented by the Doctor's granddaughter, Susan. She called the Doctor's time machine the 'TARDIS' because its initials stood for 'Time And Relative Dimension In Space'. It is worth noting that this was the name of the specific machine Susan had. After some time, 'the' was added to the name, creating the well-known term 'the TARDIS'.

Historical Context and Backstory

Gregory Pope’s answer dives deeper into the historical context. It was the scriptwriter, Anthony Coburn, who was responsible for scripting the first-ever episode of Doctor Who. He also came up with the acronym 'TARDIS' and the idea of its police box disguise. However, these details raise a question about the origins of the term itself.

The Word "Tardy"

An interesting theory suggests that the term 'TARDIS' might have its roots in the English word 'tardy', which implies being late. The word 'Robert is late for his meeting but then, he is inclined to be tardy in his appointments' is often used to describe someone who is consistently running behind schedule. This theory, although not confirmed, adds a fascinating layer to the origin of the term.

The Creation of the Concept

While Gregory Pope's answer provides insights, it's important to note that the concept of the Doctor's time machine was first conceived by the production team. Sydney Newman and Donald Wilson proposed the format of a time machine disguised as an everyday object that could travel anywhere in time and space. The scriptwriter, Anthony Coburn, then brought this concept to life by providing the specific term and the police box disguise for the TARDIS.

Legal and Licensing Issues

It is worth mentioning that in the past, there have been debates over the ownership of the rights to the TARDIS. Apparently, Anthony Coburn's son claimed that he should be paid for the continued use of the term in Doctor Who. However, these claims were not pursued, and it was Sydney Newman and his colleagues who were credited with the initial concept.

Conclusion

While the exact origins of the term 'TARDIS' remain a subject of debate, the story of its invention is a significant part of the rich history of the Doctor Who franchise. Whether Susan, the Doctor, or scriptwriter Anthony Coburn, the term 'TARDIS' has become a beloved part of pop culture, representing a machine that has taken millions of viewers on a journey through time and space.