Crossword Genius

Nasty person, but with a beautiful skin (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

snake

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

'nasty person' is the definition.
'snake' can be an answer for 'person' (snake is a kind of person). I'm not sure about the 'nasty' bit.

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for snake that I've seen before include "Entertainer with music and reptiles" , "Long slender reptile" , "Part of plant or hair" , "former EC currency band" , "Chinese zodiac animal" .)

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