U.S. [f. vbl. phrase]

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  1.  A popular name of the small green heron, Butorides virescens. Hence used as a nickname for an inhabitant of Florida.

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1857.  Büchmann in Herrig’s Archiv., XXI. 166. Fly-up-the-creek 1) Ein in Florida häufiger Sumpfvogel. 2) Spitzname der Einwohner von Florida.

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1869.  W. P. Turnbull, Birds E. Pennsylv., 37. Green Heron … Butorides virescens. Fly-up-the-Creek. Abundant from early in April to October.

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  2.  A giddy, capricious person (colloq.) (Cent. Dict.).

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