Referí

Referí is a colloquial noun used in Spanish to denote a referee, especially in football. It is common in Argentina and Uruguay, as well as other parts of Latin America. The formal term in Spanish is árbitro, but referí remains widely used in sports journalism and everyday conversation.

Etymology and usage: The word is generally considered a borrowing from the English word referee, adapted to Spanish pronunciation. In Argentine Spanish, referí is treated as a masculine noun: el referí; the plural is los referís. It is informal and typically avoided in formal writing, though it frequently appears in televised commentary, fan dialogue, and social media.

Functions and perception: The referí is responsible for enforcing the laws of the game, signaling fouls, issuing cautions (amonestaciones) and expulsions, and maintaining order on the field. Decisions made by the referí can influence game momentum and are often debated by players, coaches, and fans, leading to discussions about refereeing standards in national leagues and competitions.

Context and variants: While referí is widely understood in regions where football is prominent, it coexists with árbitro in formal contexts. The term can appear in other sports contexts or be used metaphorically to describe someone who oversees or adjudicates a dispute, though this usage is less common.