Soundwave bristles a bit at Rodimus' impetuous attitude. High strung? He would show him high strung.
But still... Soundwave does not have the best rapport with his fellow Decepticons. And, he has observed in the past that humor is often associated with being "cool" and being "cool" often promotes respect by peers. And there is a lack of respect happening, for certain.

"Query: What would you suggest." The sentence burns him.