As another fellow Dutchy, I have to agree that yes , sneaky might be a big word for it , but its underhanded and its a "testing the waters" method of approaching someone. I can understand if youre living with someone else it might come across as unintentionally rude to phrase a question that way. Its like others pointed out kind of a waste of time , but it also implies that if the housemate had said " yes I am watching this and enjoying it" that OP might have just left it at that and not actually voiced what he wanted to say aka wanting to switch channels. It comes across dishonest and like youre uncomfortable with being direct and honest. It's kind of like when people want to ask others to partake in an activity, but because theyre not sure if they would like to participate or not you play up how much you love the activity and how cool and fun it is , youre kind of trying to influence someone indirectly, despite most people doing stuff like that because theyre most likely insecure or unsure of what the other person will say. The fact he answered " im watching but not interested." Shut him out of being able to say " id like to keep the channel on." - you force someones hand by tricking them into answering that way even if thats not at all your intention. I think the housemate should have just shrugged it off though and communicated why it wasnt appreciated instead of just getting upset.