A cheaper, poor-quality copy of something better or more famous.

The term stems from the fact that, in grade school, most kids would have the pricier, top-quality Crayola Crayons, while the unfortunate few students would be stuck with the cheaper, crappy Rose Art Crayons which nobody wanted.
Hostess snacks are the Rose Art Version of Little Debbie snacks.

Gary Busey is the Rose Art Version of Nick Nolte.
by TheChrisenator July 24, 2021
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