I play this way at home, too. And the wife, even, doesn't always "get" my sense of humor. (Which can frustrate me from time to time, as I imagine it frustrates her.) For me, though, it's like trying on different hats, different masks, to see how they feel, how they fit, making comments that are completely contrary to my core - to provoke... or maybe, perhaps, they're more true than I'd like to believe.
I say these things because I NEVER say these things. If that makes any sense.
And, no, I would not be surprised at how many would take my statement and run with it. What people are capable of rarely surprises me anymore.