Latest news with #DuolingoOwl
CNN
12-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Duolingo's cute owl mascot is dead. It is an ex-owl
Twit-t-who? The green owl who was the logo of language-learning app Duolingo is no longer. The US company behind the app, which became a household name during the Covid-19 pandemic, has issued an announcement revealing that its cute cartoon owl has died. Following in the claw-steps of Twitter's blue bird, axed in 2023 after Elon Musk acquired the social media platform and changed its name to X, the owl appears to have fallen victim to a corporate rebrand. In a post on X Tuesday, Duolingo wrote: 'It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that Duo, formally known as the Duolingo Owl, is dead. '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.' Founded in 2011, the Pittsburgh-based firm offers more than 100 courses covering more than 40 languages in bitesize sessions. It became hugely popular during the pandemic, when people around the world decided to try to learn a new language in the many hours of free time they suddenly acquired. Duolingo's social media statement about Duo continued: '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 (the firm's premium subscription service) in his memory.' If that was not unusual enough, it concluded by saying: 'We appreciate you respecting Dua Lipa's privacy at this time.' This, it appears, is a reference to the owl's passion for the singer-songwriter. In a post on its site last July, Duolingo described the star as the owl's 'unrequited love interest' and proceeded to show users how to give instructions and orders in English, based on Dua Lipa's lyrics. Tuesday's announcement went predictably viral, with the post viewed more than 47 million times by Wednesday morning. One user replied: 'Bro spent his last days begging me to learn French… and I ignored him… I will never recover from this.' Another said: 'Do they suspect foul play?' In a subsequent post, Duolingo wrote: 'In lieu of flowers, please do a Duolingo lesson.' The firm updated its profile pic on X with an image of the owl with crosses over its eyes and its tongue hanging out. Its initial post was topped with what appears to be a new logo in the shape of a cowboy hat. The app's icon has also changed to the dead-looking owl, but within the app itself he appears to be alive and well. Duolingo told CNN in an email that it planned to reveal more on social media Wednesday about the 'shocking (and possibly absurd) truth behind his untimely demise.'
USA Today
12-02-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Is the Duolingo owl death connected to the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef?
Drake and the Duolingo Owl might be at odds with one another. If you're unfamiliar with Duolingo, it's a lovely tool that teaches you how to speak different languages. It's really cool because Duolingo tries to make it engaging as people learn. So, in other words, the company doesn't take themselves too seriously. They like to have fun, which might explain their seemingly unhinged posts in the weeks before the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Here's what we mean. About two weeks before Kendrick Lamar took the stage, Duolingo dropped a wild post trolling Drake while referencing a song—'BBL Drizzy' (Warning: NSFW language)—that also trolls the rapper. glad i'm not the only owl with a BBL on this list — Duolingo (@duolingo) January 31, 2025 On the day of the show, they trolled him again, very similar to the way Kendrick did during his set. But they weren't done. Duolingo cranked out even more jokes, including a viral meme from Kendrick's 'Not Like Us' performance. However, it went downhill fast. Duo, the green owl mascot, seen in much of the company's content, suddenly died. an important message from Duolingo — Duolingo (@duolingo) February 11, 2025 And things got weird. Without much explanation, TSA got involved. Then, Duo was given a funeral and an obituary a short time later with a sly note that the team was investigating 'Jimmy'—a possible nod to Wheelchair Jimmy, the nickname for Drake's character on Degrassi. We're currently investigating Jimmy. — Duolingo (@duolingo) February 11, 2025 So many people were distraught over Duo, including Dua Lipa. Til' death duo part 💔 — DUA LIPA (@DUALIPA) February 12, 2025 duo the owl has been eliminated — Netflix (@netflix) February 11, 2025 However, a cause of death has been identified, with more details on the way. UPDATE: Officials have identified cause of death. More details to follow. Thank you for holding space for Dualingo. 💚 — Duolingo (@duolingo) February 12, 2025 Was Drake involved? Was it someone else? No one knows. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
CNN
12-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Duolingo's cute owl mascot is dead. It is an ex-owl
Twit-t-who? The green owl who was the logo of language-learning app Duolingo is no longer. The US company behind the app, which became a household name during the Covid-19 pandemic, has issued an announcement revealing that its cute cartoon owl has died. Following in the claw-steps of Twitter's blue bird, axed in 2023 after Elon Musk acquired the social media platform and changed its name to X, the owl appears to have fallen victim to a corporate rebrand. In a post on X Tuesday, Duolingo wrote: 'It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that Duo, formally known as the Duolingo Owl, is dead. '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.' Founded in 2011, the Pittsburgh-based firm offers more than 100 courses covering more than 40 languages in bitesize sessions. It became hugely popular during the pandemic, when people around the world decided to try to learn a new language in the many hours of free time they suddenly acquired. Duolingo's social media statement about Duo continued: '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 (the firm's premium subscription service) in his memory.' If that was not unusual enough, it concluded by saying: 'We appreciate you respecting Dua Lipa's privacy at this time.' This, it appears, is a reference to the owl's passion for the singer-songwriter. In a post on its site last July, Duolingo described the star as the owl's 'unrequited love interest' and proceeded to show users how to give instructions and orders in English, based on Dua Lipa's lyrics. Tuesday's announcement went predictably viral, with the post viewed more than 47 million times by Wednesday morning. One user replied: 'Bro spent his last days begging me to learn French… and I ignored him… I will never recover from this.' Another said: 'Do they suspect foul play?' In a subsequent post, Duolingo wrote: 'In lieu of flowers, please do a Duolingo lesson.' The firm updated its profile pic on X with an image of the owl with crosses over its eyes and its tongue hanging out. Its initial post was topped with what appears to be a new logo in the shape of a cowboy hat. The app's icon has also changed to the dead-looking owl, but within the app itself he appears to be alive and well. Duolingo told CNN in an email that it planned to reveal more on social media Wednesday about the 'shocking (and possibly absurd) truth behind his untimely demise.'
Buzz Feed
12-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Duo The Owl Is Dead And The Web's Planning A Funeral
I hate to be the bearer of bad news the (unhinged) Duolingo Owl is dead. A moment of silence. OK, moment's over. Rest in peace young bird. In a statement shared to the official Duolingo pages, they announced that the cause of dead is unknown but can probably be boiled down to users not doing their lessons. Unfortunately, as expected, the internet is not taking the news well. We lost an icon. People are dealing with the loss in many different ways, here's a few reactions embodying the seven stages of grief*: Share your tribute messages for Duo in the comments below!
CBS News
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Duolingo Owl is dead, company says
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The Duolingo Owl is dead, according to a statement from the Pittsburgh-based company. "It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that Duo, formally known as The Duolingo Owl, is dead," the language learning app posted on social media Tuesday morning. Duolingo says "authorities" are investigating his cause of death and the company is cooperating. "Tbh, he probably died waiting for you to do your lesson, but what do we know. We are 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." In a statement to KDKA-TV, a spokesperson confirmed that Duo is in fact dead as part of a brand marketing campaign, but people should actually refrain from posting their credit card information. To mark Duo's death, Duolingo has updated its social media profile pictures and app icon to depict a photo of the bird with Xs for eyes. Duolingo says it has embraced a "wholesome and unhinged" brand tone after its green owl mascot turned into an internet sensation. "Our mascot was initially designed to encourage regular practice. But once the internet got their hands on him, he grew into a more complicated — even menacing — character with his own lore. He's still cute and cuddly. But he's also willing to temporarily relocate your family to ensure you finish your lessons," the company wrote in its handbook. PR Week pointed out that it's not the first time a brand mascot has died. Mr. Peanut died and came back as Baby Nut in 2020. As for what's next for Duo, it seems like mourners will have to wait and see.
