Is Duolingo owl actually dead? Why was pop star Dua Lipa mentioned in the announcement?

The rumours are actually true—at least, according to popular language-learning app Duolingo. The app has declared its beloved mascot, Duo the Owl, dead. However, the circumstances surrounding his "death" remain a mystery, and many believe it to be nothing more than an elaborate marketing stunt.

Duolingo announces Duo's "death"

On Tuesday, Duolingo shocked users by announcing the supposed passing of its green, wide-eyed mascot, Duo the Owl. In a statement, the company expressed its "deep sorrow," acknowledging Duo’s relentless efforts in reminding millions to complete their language lessons—sometimes with gentle encouragement, other times with an almost obsessive persistence.

A spokesperson for the company added, "Even the most relentless of birds can only take so much." Despite the dramatic statement, Duolingo did not disclose a cause of death, claiming that an investigation was underway.

In a follow-up social media post, the company hinted at a possible suspect, stating, "We're currently investigating Jimmy," but offered no further details. Duolingo also acknowledged that Duo had "many enemies" and jokingly suggested that the mascot may have perished while waiting for users to complete their lessons.

While some fans mourned Duo’s "death," others immediately questioned whether this was just another publicity stunt. Some speculated that Duolingo could be planning a revamp of the character, or even introducing a brand-new mascot.

Netflix adds to the suspense with ‘Squid Game’ reference

As brands flooded Duolingo’s social media with tributes to the owl, Netflix took the joke even further. The streaming giant shared a clip from the hit Korean series Squid Game, showing Duo being "eliminated" from the deadly competition. The caption read, "Sending my condolences fr (for real)," further fueling speculation that Duolingo’s announcement was nothing more than a playful marketing ploy.

Who was Duo the owl?

Duo Keyshauna Renee Lingo—better known simply as Duo—was Duolingo’s quirky and sometimes intimidating mascot. The company jokingly stated that he was "born in 1000 BC," but in reality, he first appeared in 2011 when the app was launched.

Initially, Duo had a simple 2D design, with his eyes and mouth forming the word "DUO." Over the years, he evolved into a 3D animated character, becoming more expressive and interactive. By 2018, Duo had fully embraced his role as an online phenomenon, starring in memes, pop culture parodies, and even brand collaborations.

His aggressive reminders to users—often framed as borderline threats—turned him into a viral icon. The mascot became a running joke on social media, with users playfully "fearing" the owl’s wrath for missing their language lessons.

Why was Dua Lipa mentioned?

One of the most puzzling parts of Duolingo’s announcement was the unexpected mention of British pop star Dua Lipa. In its farewell post, the company stated, "We appreciate you respecting Dua Lipa’s privacy at this time."

For long-time Duolingo fans, this wasn’t entirely out of place. Duo has been known to idolize the pop star Dua Lipa, because of the similarity in their names. The app has an ongoing inside joke about its supposed infatuation with the three-time Grammy winner, frequently posting about her on social media. Duo has often been portrayed as an over-the-top admirer of the singer, with posts humorously suggesting a deep (albeit one-sided) bond between the two.

Dua Lipa herself has acknowledged the joke in past interviews, even teasing the possibility of a collaboration with the company. However, as of Tuesday, she had not responded to the announcement about Duo’s "death."

Whether Duo is truly "dead" or simply undergoing a rebrand remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: the little green owl has once again captured the internet’s attention.