Thanks for having me on?

[Torsten]

On TV shows I sometimes hear people say "thanks for having me on" or "thanks for having me". I understand that in this context it means "thanks for giving me the chance to talk/respond to your questions".

At the same time "to have someone on" can also mean 'to kid someone'. There is an ambiguity here or the second phrase primarily used as a question?

Thanks a lot,
Torsten
_________________
Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[Mister Micawber]

.
Not ambiguous, I suppose, in context, but the phrase has the two meanings. I don't see the question you refer to.
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber

[Torsten]

What I meant by question is this:

"Are you having me on?" or "You must be having me on!" I understand that these phrases are used to mean "you are kidding me" rather than "will you invite me to your TV show?"

Is that right?
Thanks,
Torsten
_________________
Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[Molly]

Beware of the potential ambiguity with "thanks for having me".

[Mister Micawber]

.
Well, Torsten, it still depends on context:

G: Your variety show is tomorrow night. Are you having me on?
H: No, I'm not having you on-- you always tell dirty jokes.

J: You're getting married again? Are you having me on?
K: No, I'm not having you on. I'm really tying the knot again.
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber