The Spanish word 'refri' is a colloquial shortening of 'refrigerador' (refrigerator). This comes from the Spanish verb 'refrigerar' (to refrigerate), which can be traced back to the Latin word 'refrigerare' meaning 'to make cold'. The Latin word was formed by combining two elements: the prefix 're-' meaning 'again' or acting as an intensifier, and 'frigus' meaning 'cold'. So literally, the word's components suggest the idea of 'making something cold again' or 'making something very cold'.

The modern colloquial shortening 'refri' is a great example of how everyday language tends to simplify longer technical terms into more manageable, informal versions.

Several common Spanish words share the same Latin root 'frigus' (cold). These include 'frío' (cold), 'frígido' (frigid), and 'refrescar' (to refresh). The connection between all these words is their relation to coldness or cooling.

English speakers can easily connect 'refri' to several familiar English words that come from the same Latin roots. Obviously, there's 'refrigerator' and 'refrigerate', but also words like 'frigid' (extremely cold), and 'freeze'. The word 'fresh' is also distantly related, originally referring to things that were cooled. Even the brand name 'Frigidaire' plays on this etymology, combining 'frigid' with 'air'.