Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Duolingo Just Announced That Their Owl Mascot Is 'Dead'—And People Are Utterly Baffled

Screenshots from Duolingo's TikTok showing 'dead' mascot's funeral
@duolingo/TikTok

The language-learning app shared a humorous statement to alert fans that their owl mascot, Duo, is "dead" before releasing several follow-up videos on TikTok.

We are sad to report that Duolingo's iconic owl mascot, Duo the Owl, has flown to the Good Place.

The language learning app announced news of the make-believe mascot's passing on Tuesday, although details as to the cause of death remain a mystery.


Duolingo is known for its cheeky antics on the internet, and this dark-humored stunt is among its most bizarre endeavors.

In a statement, the app's social media page, which now features an icon of the late mascot with X's for eyes, wrote:

"It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that Duo, formally known as The Duolingo Owl, is dead."

The app's TikTok account shared footage from Duo's "funeral" featuring Duolingo characters Lily and Zari as pallbearers.


@duolingo

RIP DUO #duolingo Duolingo’s full name credit to @ alex_elle on Threads

The death statement continued:

"Authorities are currently investigating his cause of death and we are cooperating fully."

Duolingo shaded users of the app by suggesting they were complicit in the mascot's demise from slacking on studying habits.

"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," they wrote and joked:

"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."

The final line left viewers scratching their heads.

Duolingo signed off with:

"We appreciate you respecting Dua Lipa’s privacy at this time."

@duolingo/TikTok

Dua Lipa joined the shenanigans by sharing Duolingo's statement and writing, "Til' death duo part," followed by a broken heart emoji.

@duolingo/TikTok

But it wasn't a random interaction.

The pair have been known to be besties due to their similar-sounding names.

Duo was never shy about expressing admiration for Dua, as seen in this TikTok from August 2024.


@duolingo

happy national gf day @Dua Lipa 💚 #nationalgirlfriendday #duolingo #descendants

The singer's comment was shared and posted by Duolingo with the added caption:

"UPDATE: Officials have identified cause of death. More details to follow."
"Thank you for holding space for Dualingo."

@duolingo/TikTok

Following the sad news of the mascot's death, major brands sent condolences…and concerns.

@duolingo/TikTok

@duolingo/TikTok


@duolingo/TikTok


@duolingo/TikTok


@duolingo/TikTok

@duolingo/TikTok

@duolingo/TikTok

@duolingo/TikTok

A video posted on TikTok revealed what led to Duo's death, and it looks like murder.

The clip showed Duo being rammed by a Tesla Cybertruck, launching the lifeless mascot into the sky, space, and the gates leading to nowhere.


@duolingo

UPDATE: Reward for whoever can identify the driver. Please post any leads on TikTok. Thank you for your patience with us during these trying times. #RIPduo


On Duolingo's X (formerly Twitter) account, a notice of death indicated Duo's full name was Duo Keyshauna Renee Lingo–a.k.a. Duo the Owl–who was born in 1000 BC.

The app asked mourners:

"In lieu of flowers, please do a Duolingo lesson."

@duolingo/X

The internet didn't know what to think at this point.

@duolingo/TikTok

@duolingo/TikTok

@duolingo/TikTok

@duolingo/TikTok

Duolingo previously trolled social media users after experiencing a sudden surge in the app's usage to learn Mandarin.

It came after Republican President Donald Trump took office and extended the deadline for TikTok's divestiture, prompting TikTok refugees to migrate to the Chinese app RedNote in advance of a potential TikTok ban in the U.S. due to national security concerns.

When TikTokers fled to Duolingo to broaden their communication skills to maximize interaction with RedNote Chinese users, Duolingo quipped, "Oh so NOW you're learning mandarin."

And now, we're dead.

More from Trending

Kristi Noem
Alex Brandon-Pool/Getty Images

'South Park' Hits Back At Kristi Noem's Gripe About Show With Hilarious Profile Photo Change

South Park began its 27th season doing what they do best: skewering public figures that take themselves too seriously. The season premiere focused on MAGA Republican President Donald Trump and his alleged micropenis to the delight of old and new fans.

For the second episode, creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone turned their focus to infamous puppy (and goat) killer Kristi Noem, South Dakota's former Republican Governor that Trump tapped to head up the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and oversee Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Keep ReadingShow less
Emma Thompson; Donald Trump
Alessandro Levati/Getty Images; Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Trump Asked Out Emma Thompson

Back in the ‘90s, two-time Oscar winner Emma Thompson had the Sense and Sensibility to decline a dinner invitation from then-Jeffrey Epstein bestie and tabloid real estate mogul Donald Trump.

At least, that’s how Thompson recounted the awkward phone call during the Locarno International Film Festival, which took place from August 6–16 in Switzerland.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshots from the Vikings' TikTok video
@vikings/TikTok

Conservatives Are Melting Down After Minnesota Vikings Add Male Cheerleaders To Roster

Well, now MAGA conservatives are sure they've seen it all, and they're not happy about it.

Beloved NFL team the Vikings have signed two male cheerleaders to their dancing squad for their 2025 American Football season: Louie Conn and Blaize Shiek.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sophie Turner attends the Louis Vuitton show as part of the 2025 Paris Fashion Week.
Marc Piasecki/WireImage via Getty Images

Sophie Turner shuts down troll

Sophie Turner is not here for your unsolicited parenting advice.

The Game of Thrones queen—literally and figuratively—recently posted an Instagram photo and video carousel from a night out at an Oasis concert, rocking a bucket hat and a beer in hand.

Keep ReadingShow less
"Weird Al" Yankovic; Chappell Roan
John Nacion/Getty Images For Paramount Pictures; Adrian Edwards/GC Images

Weird Al Hilariously Reacts After Google Alert Mixes Him Up With Chappell Roan

As household names go, Chappell Roan is still relatively new on the scene, so your grandma can be forgiven for not exactly knowing who she is.

But Google? Knowing everything is kind of its whole thing!

Keep ReadingShow less