Duolingo Announces Death Of Duo The Owl, Untimely Demise Being ‘Investigated’
Even the most persistent owls can’t hoot forever. Duolingo’s mascot Duo, notorious for his relentless lesson reminders, has apparently flown to that big language lab in the sky—but probably not, because “he had many enemies.”
On Tuesday, the language-learning app announced the “death” of its beloved character. While there were no details about where the funeral was being held, the reveal ruffled feathers in various ways, with emotions ranging from amusement to genuine concern from devoted users.
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True to its snarky nature, Duolingo pettily suggests that the cause of death might have been waiting for users to complete their language lessons, “but what do we know.”
Some lessons are learned the hard way.
— Duolingo (@duolingo) February 11, 2025
The green owl has become an internet meme over the years, thanks to the app’s high-pressure push notifications reminding users to practice their language skills… and his well-developed, er, posterior (or derrière, pardon the French). It’s almost definite that this is all part of an elaborate marketing campaign.
Duolingo mentions that Duo’s death is still being investigated. In the interim, learners are asked to send their credit card details so that the platform can sign them up for Duolingo Max “in his memory.”
“We’re aware he had many enemies, but we kindly ask that you refrain from sharing why you hate him in the comments,” the brand pleads, asking for “privacy at this time.”
For now, the fate of the owl remains a mystery, but if history is any indication, it won’t be long before Duo swoops back in—perhaps with even more persistence in reminding users to complete their lessons.
@duolingo RIP DUO #duolingo
♬ Dixon Dallas Good Lookin - Jake Hill
Until then, language learners might find themselves asking: If Duo is gone, does that mean we’re finally free from guilt-inducing alerts? Probably not.
Top 10 Saddest Anime Deaths 😔💔 We will miss you, Duo pic.twitter.com/PRYepVCbGM
— Crunchyroll (@Crunchyroll) February 11, 2025
https://t.co/m0K8pqgmsM pic.twitter.com/1KzNDUAnMW
— Halo (@Halo) February 11, 2025
rip duo 😖 https://t.co/if0LovD06k pic.twitter.com/l8PkG21KqB
— ketnipz (@Ketnipz) February 11, 2025
duo the owl has been eliminated pic.twitter.com/Qly2NAYbWH
— Netflix (@netflix) February 11, 2025
Requiescat in pace, @duolingo ... https://t.co/8nJvnojqhY pic.twitter.com/gC86ab1ZnD
— Assassin's Creed (@assassinscreed) February 11, 2025
[via TheTab, USA Today, Entrepreneur, images via Duolingo]
