Language learning app Duolingo is continuing its crusade of perplexing marketing campaigns. The app has announced that its animated owl mascot Duo has died. And worse yet, you may be responsible for it!
“It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that Duo, formally known as The Duolingo Owl, is dead,” reads the images posted on Duolingo’s X page. “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 perplexing image was captioned with “an important message from Duolingo.” The company also changed its profile picture to show Duo with Xs on his eyes. An impressively cavalier way to announce a widely hated beloved icon had crossed the digital rainbow bridge.
Leave Duo Alone!
But this isn’t Duolingo’s first time messing with Duo either. In September 2024 the company changed its logo to make Duo look like a snotty mess. And once again his illness is your fault!
“Duo is quite literally sick of reminding everyone to do their lessons,” a Duolingo spokesperson said at the time. “But don’t worry. His symptoms aren’t contagious, as long as learners keep their streaks going.”
We’ll keep you posted on if Duo is resurrected or not. In the meantime, do your language lessons because it’s enriching, not because a fake bird might die. You can see the full, unhinged, post for yourself below:
