My friend the onion.

Once you pull back the dry layers,

you begin to smell something real/pungent/sweet.

And no matter which way you slice it,

you realize that under the white skin, there is a strong core.

Sometimes a little too strong, and could maybe make you cry, but never on purpose.

Not always socially accepted, and sometimes hated by young children.

Useful in cooking, works well with others.

Cheap.

C(on)n([i]o)r [n]