apologetic guffaw

Refers to where someone noisily pretends to regret an action --- such as turning off a light, splashing water, etc. --- which caused someone else momentary shock and/or outrage, when in reality said prankster was completely intentional in performing said minor atrocity, and has gotten a huge giggle out of the hilarious-to-him distressed reaction of his "victim"!

Dude #1: flips the ceiling-light off in an otherwise-darkened garage where he is fully aware that his buddy is working
Dude #2: indignantly: Yo!!
Dude #1 in a classic "apologetic guffaw" tone "Huh-hoh --- saww-rreee" gives a big grin as he flips the switch back on again.

by QuacksO December 5, 2020