Possible Clues:

• That's the way to make it more then plain
• That makes it more than plain
• In the gruel, one could make it so comparatively unpleasant
• Like the wicked stepsisters vis-vis Cinderella
• Rougher on the eyes
• Most unsightly lifeguard drops fad
• More offensive
• More frightful
• Less attractive fruit about to be returned
• More mean, like a rumor