Crossword Genius

It makes a place look like a pigsty (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

litter

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a pigsty' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'it makes a place look' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'it' could be 't' (abbreviation. e.g. in 'tis) and 't' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'liter' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'like' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for litter that I've seen before include "Chair or bed carried on two poles" , "found in bin" , "Odds and ends of rubbish left lying about" , "little ones?" , "Sow's young" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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