The slang usage of 小样 is a window into informal Chinese social dynamics and humor. It's a tool for light-hearted banter that reinforces a close relationship while maintaining a subtle, playful hierarchy. The speaker momentarily takes on the role of the “one-who-knows-better,” and the recipient is the “one-who-got-caught.” This can be compared to the Western concept of “teasing” or “ribbing,” but with a specific flavor. While an American might say, “Nice try, buddy,” or “You little sneak,” 小样 carries a slightly more condescending, almost parental tone, even when used between peers. It's not genuinely mean-spirited; rather, it's a way of showing intimacy. The ability to use and receive a term like 小样 without taking offense is a sign of a strong, informal bond. It's a way of saying, “Your little tricks are amusing and cute, but they don't fool me.”
This is the straightforward, neutral use of the word. You will encounter it frequently in commercial contexts.
This is the more nuanced and culturally rich usage. It's almost exclusively used in informal, spoken contexts.