"Because homecoming came first, and there was the homecoming court. The five guys on homecoming court were disqualified from being in the prom court. So being prom king was being sixth most popular"

In this quote, Andy Richter humorously reflects on the concept of popularity within the context of high school customs such as homecoming and senior prom. Homecoming and prom are significant occasions in American high school culture, often involving elements of competitors and social hierarchy, as represented by the numerous 'courts' associated with these events.

Richter describes a system where the "homecoming court" is focused on over the "prom court". Particularly, the five kids who attained enough popularity to protect a place on the homecoming court were barred from being on the prom court. This method indicates a structured hierarchy where a single person might not reign over both courts, imposing a type of equitable circulation of social distinctions among the students.

The expression "being prom king was being sixth most popular" underscores the irony of this system. Basically, the prom king, traditionally deemed among the most popular individuals in school, just holds that title by default instead of by absolute appeal. According to this system, the difference of prom king does not always crown the most popular student, but rather the most popular amongst those who didn't make the homecoming court.

This comedic observation comments on the arbitrary nature of social status and appeal contests in school settings. Richter's reflection suggests that the titles and distinctions awarded during such events might not genuinely show a trainee's social standing but are rather based on the guidelines and constraints of the tradition itself. In more comprehensive terms, it likewise highlights a common human experience where specific achievements may not constantly align with real merit or acknowledgment however could be affected by fixed structures and constraints.

Ultimately, Richter's quote draws humor from the concept that being named prom king, a coveted title associated with status and admiration, may not hold as much value as it appears, as it might just be an alleviation reward in the grand plan of high school social dynamics.