'bare-bones' originates from English, specifically the words 'bare' and 'bone', where 'bare' meant 'naked' and 'bone' meant 'skeleton'.

'bare-bones' developed as a figurative compound in the 19th century from earlier literal uses of 'bare' and 'bones' (for example phrases referencing 'to the bones'), eventually becoming the modern adjective and noun phrase 'bare-bones'.

Initially, it meant 'literally without flesh, showing bones'; over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'reduced to the essentials' or 'minimal'.