Verified answer

The true meaning of 撒娇 is to act like a spoiled child / throw a tantrum / act coquettishly. (This is from http://www.mdbg.net/chindict/chindict.php). My daughter says that 撒娇 means "to whine in a very unattractive way" in order to get their way. It's not confined to only girls, but boys as well.

The reasons? Same as anywhere else in the world . . . people want what they want and will do whatever it takes to get it.

EDIT: As a woman, it is NEVER attractive to see someone (especially a young woman) to belittle herself in such a way in order to appear "attractive" to men. When I see women behaving in such a way, I just want to "slap them upside the head" (in a figurative way, not literal) to show them that they have brains . . . use them! If men are attracted only to childish behavior, then they should go hang out on a playground. They should not expect women to behave in such a way and women should not fulfill that role.

This is an action, more often applied to female especially young girls, when someone appears to be clingy, tries to be cute and cajoling usually with an intention of getting something including attention. It is not whining YET, as the word jiao 娇 suggests, which means womanly charm, sa jiao does not necessarily turn away men. Even when an old woman does it behind closed doors, it could be fun for the husband, as long as the woman knows not to overdo it.

All things in moderation, and I love being on the receiving end of a bit of sa jiao. It's cute and endearing, when used sparingly and with a smile...

Well, let me explain when people Sa jiao,

When a little boy or girl sa jiao to the father or mother, it may mean they want sth, they don't want to follow parent's order or rule to do sth, to show they are little, they are cute, they need to be protected and valued.

When a young girl or a young boy sajiao to boyfriend or girlfriend, they want to show they are lovely, they are like children, they need to be spoiled, they don't want to follow the rules or orders to do the things meant for them to do...

"撒嬌 is a behavior to make people look "cute", "lovely", or "attractive". Sometimes people 撒嬌 to get others' attention ( for asking helpness, buying some stuff ...etc.) Usually, the meaning of 撒嬌 is positive (but if others feel being bother, then 撒嬌 can be explained negatively as "whine" at this time)."

Its like the whiney type, using cuteness, etc., to get what they want...

Sajiao

It is flirting, you know, foreplay before sεx

enjoy being patronized, spoiled.