Meaning/translation of やれ


> 子供は **やれ肉** がすくないと文句を言っている.

What is exactly やれ? Is it kind of a とか or やら？




やれ is a word that is used when you mention about two or more similar things.
It has a nuance of complaining about the incident that is occurring.

Ex.

> 彼は僕のことを **やれ** ばかだの、 **やれ** のろまだのと言い続けた。  
>  = He kept calling me a fool and a dimwit.

Difference between とか and やら:

They are also used to list more than two things, but it doesn't necessarily
have a complaining nuance.

Ex.

> けんそんな人は、家のまわりの[雑用]{ざつよう} **とか** 家の[掃除]{そうじ} **とか** といったつまらなそうな仕事でも進んで行う。  
>  = A humble man is ready to perform menial tasks such as doing chores around
> home or cleaning the house.
>
> バナナ **やら** リンゴ **やら** 、果物をたくさん買った。  
>  = I bought a lot of fruits - bananas, apples, and so on.

In the case of the question, やれ is used only once, but it suggests the kid's
complaining attitude.

