'afrit' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'عفريت' ('ʿifrīt'), where 'ʿifrīt' meant 'demon' or 'evil spirit'.

'ʿifrīt' transformed into the English word 'afrit' through transliteration and adaptation into English.

Initially, it meant 'demon' or 'evil spirit', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.