Controversial concept by Del Close: the idea is that, when reacting to a suggestion, one might be best of using not your first idea, but the third thing that comes to mind. The first idea that came into your head would be like something you'd seen in a TV sitcom, and the second idea would be glib, clever wit.
More one that concept in Art By Committee.
Tragedy is when I hurt my thumb. Comedy is when you fall in a manhole and die --- Mel Brooks