DUOLINGO has sparked confusion by apparently killing off its famous owl mascot.
The free online language learning tool has begged fans for “privacy” during an “investigation” into its sudden demise.
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The announcement shocked people when it was released on Tuesday.
“It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that Duo, formally known as The Duolingo Owl, is dead,” the company wrote on X.
“Authorities are currently investigating his cause of death and we are cooperating fully.
“Tbh, he probably died waiting for you to do your lesson, but what do we know?
“We’re aware he had many enemies, but we kindly ask that you refrain from sharing why you hate him in the comments.
“If you feel inclined to share, please also include your credit card number so we can automatically sign you up for Duolingo Max in his memory.
“We appreciate you respecting Dua Lipa’s privacy at this time.”
The app’s avian mascot is a lively green owl, which has been with the company since its 2012 launch.
The hard-case Duo encourages learners to complete their lessons – and shows a range of emotions, including sadness, if you fail to keep up with them.
“People meme-ified Duo as this thing that will hunt you down if you don’t do your Spanish lesson for the day,” said VP of design Ryan Sims.
In a TikTok video on the owl’s “death” someone can be heard in the background sobbing and saying, “Oh my God.”
There is also a mournful verse singing that he’s “in the arms of the angels.”
One wit asked, “If he’s dead… does that mean my family will be released?”
And one of the clip’s tens of thousands of viewers said, “Rest in peace bro.”
But one guilty person said, “I skip my lesson one time and duo dies.”
A Duolingo user gloated, “I did my lesson at midnight… my conscience is clear.”
In another reply, someone wrote, “Grief is a heavy emotion, let us know if you need anything.”
Duolingo replied, “Please leave us alone during this time of mourning.”
WAS IT DRAKE?
One person quipped, “I fear I know who it was but I won’t say his name out loud,” an apparent reference to Drake.
Duolingo responded, “Authorities are looking into a Canadian for the case.”
Another person wrote, “Respecting Dua Lipa’s privacy at this time.”
Duolingo replied, “The minions ask for nothing less.”
LOVE FOR DUA LIPA
In today’s post, Duolingo highlights its strong connection to superstar Dua Lipa.
This is because Duolingo has been posting for years about Duo’s devotion for the singer.
Last July, for example, the app shared “Dua Lipa songs which will teach you how to talk like a boss.”
“Dua Lipa: global phenomenon, uber-talented singer, unrequited love interest of our very own Duo the owl,” the app posted.
“And it goes without saying that the one and only Dua (sorry, Ms. Lipa) is also a total boss!”
It joked that her lyrics revealed “the undeniable fact that Dua Lipa likes telling people (usually men) what to do.”
“That’s great news for anyone who wants to learn how to give instructions and orders in English,” the app posted.
The app highlighted some “boss” language from four of the biggest hits of her career, including Houdini, Don’t Start Now, New Rules and Levitating.
There have also been various TikTok videos featuring the connection, such as a clip showing Duo reflecting on how sad and lonely his life would be without the star.
DUO’S CHEEKY SUPER BOWL AD
Duolingo has also shown it’s a keen Super Bowl fan.
In February 2024, it revealed how it turned Duo’s butt into a viral Super Bowl commercial, following research into what would grab people’s attention.
“Our illustrators created some cheeky images of Duo for our smartphone widget and the learner community loved them!
“It was clear that Duo’s butt was the easiest way to catch learner’s attention in a short amount of time,” it said.
SAD OWL
The app boasts more than 300 million users completing more than seven billion exercises every month.
But last April it caused consternation after its iconic owl was depicted looking “miserable” and haggard.
The company posted a cryptic meme about its appearance on X, with the caption, “When you put off your lesson for 5 mins.”
According to its website, Duolingo was founded in 2011 by Luis von Ahn and Severin Hacker.
It’s become the most popular way to learn a language and one of the most downloaded education apps in the world, said the platform.
The program offers resources to both kids to adults, too.
For example, there’s the Duolingo ABC – a fun-focused way for children to pick up a language.
For teens and adults, there is a learning app and an English proficiency test.
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