Duolingo sparks confusion with dead owl post and new app...

DUOLINGO has sparked confusion by apparently killing off its famous owl mascot. The free online language learning tool has begged fans for "privacy" during an "investigation" into its sudden demise. The supposed joke shocked people when the app announced today, "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.

Image Credit: The Sun [Duolingo app on a phone and laptop.]

"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.".

Image Credit: The Sun [Duolingo owl with X's over its eyes and tongue sticking out.]

Duolingo is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The app’s avian mascot is a lively green owl which has been with the company since its 2012 launch, reported Apple in 2020. The hard-case Duo encourages learners to complete their lessons - and shows a range of emotions, including sadness, if you fail to keep up with them. “People meme-ified Duo as this thing that will hunt you down if you don’t do your Spanish lesson for the day,” said VP of design Ryan Sims.

Image Credit: The Sun [Announcement of the Duolingo Owl's death.]

In a TikTok video on the owl's "death" someone can be heard in the background sobbing and saying "oh my God.". There is also a mournful verse singing that he's "in the arms of the angels.". One wit asked, "If he’s dead… does that mean my family will be released?". Tesco joked, "We're here if you need a cuppa.". And one of the clip's tens of thousands of viewers said, "Rest in peace bro.". But one guilty person said, "I skip my lesson one time and duo dies.".

Image Credit: The Sun [Illustration of a sad green bird-like character.]

A Duolingo user gloated, "I did my lesson at midnight... my conscience is clear.". In another reply, someone wrote, "Grief is a heavy emotion, let us know if you need anything.". Duolingo replied, "Please leave us alone during this time of mourning.". One person quipped, "I fear I know who it was (Drake) but I won’t say his name out loud.". Duolingo responded, "Authorities are looking into a Canadian for the case.".

Image Credit: The Sun [Duolingo owl mascot appearing sick, text overlay: "me after hextech"]

Another person wrote, "Respecting Dua Lipa's privacy at this time.". Duolingo replied, "The minions ask for nothing less.". In today's post, Duolingo highlights its strong connection to superstar Dua Lipa. This is because Duolingo has been posting for years about Duo's devotion for the singer. Last July, for example, the app shared "Dua Lipa songs which will teach you how to talk like a boss.". It said, "Dua Lipa: global phenomenon, uber-talented singer, unrequited love interest of our very own Duo the owl.

Image Credit: The Sun [Illustration of Duo, the Duolingo owl, wearing sunglasses, a black shirt, and boots, carrying a purse.]

"And it goes without saying that the one and only Dua (sorry, Ms. Lipa) is also a total boss!". It joked that her lyrics revealed "the undeniable fact that Dua Lipa likes telling people (usually men) what to do. "That's great news for anyone who wants to learn how to give instructions and orders in English.". The app highlighted some “boss” language from four of the biggest hits of her career, including Houdini, Don’t Start Now, New Rules and Levitating.

There have also been various TikTok videos featuring the connection, such as a clip showing Duo reflecting on how sad and lonely his life would be without the star. Duolingo has also shown it's a keen Super Bowl fan. In February 2024, it revealed how it turned Duo's butt into a viral Super Bowl commercial, following research into what would grab people's attention. "Our illustrators created some cheeky images of Duo for our smartphone widget and the learner community loved them!.

"It was clear that Duo’s butt was the easiest way to catch learner’s attention in a short amount of time," it said. The app boasts more than 300 million users completing more than seven billion exercises every month. But last April it caused consternation after its iconic owl was depicted looking "miserable" and haggard. The company posted a cryptic meme about its appearance on X / Twitter, with the caption "when you put off your lesson for 5 mins".

According to its website, Duolingo was founded in 2011 by Luis von Ahn and Severin Hacker. It's become the most popular way to learn a language and one of the most downloaded education apps in the world, said the platform. The program appeals to everyone from kids to adults, as it offers several unique ways to learn another language. For example, there's the Duolingo ABC - a fun-focused way for children to pick up a language.