Dua Lipa (ACTUALLY) Mourns Duolingo Owl's 'Death'. Here's How You Can Bring Duo Back
For those unaware, Duo is the brand mascot that guides learners on the app, not holding back from threatening (to the extent of dropping nukes on) users who don't finish their lessons.
Duolingo’s polarising green owl mascot, Duo, met an unexpected and mysterious demise — at least, that’s what the language-learning app’s latest viral campaign suggests. The announcement, made on Duolingo’s official X account, has sparked curiosity and even drawn a reaction from 3-time Grammy-winning superstar Dua Lipa.
For those unaware, Duo is the brand mascot that guides learners on the app, not holding back from threatening (to the extent of dropping nukes) users who don't finish their lessons. All in good humour, of course. Duo's openly demented behaviour has made him more of a pop culture phenomenon than anything else.
How Did Duo Die?
The company’s statement, posted Tuesday, humorously declared, “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.”
The tweet, laced with Duolingo’s signature wit, appears to be a creative push to re-engage users who may have fallen behind on their language lessons.
an important message from Duolingo pic.twitter.com/jTTT680yVs
— Duolingo (@duolingo) February 11, 2025
How Did Dua Lipa React?
Duo’s ‘death’ has not gone unnoticed by Dua Lipa, who has long been a running theme in Duolingo’s social media antics. The singer responded to the announcement on X with the phrase, “Til’ death duo part,” playing along with the joke.
Til' death duo part 💔 https://t.co/XqVUTK5E0V
— DUA LIPA (@DUALIPA) February 12, 2025
The app, which has previously built its quirky branding around its persistent reminders and meme-worthy presence, made a direct nod to the singer in its original post, stating, “We appreciate you respecting Dua Lipa’s privacy at this time.”
The connection between Duolingo and Dua Lipa is nothing new for long-time followers.
The app has frequently referenced an inside joke about Duo’s admiration for the "Houdini" hitmaker, using TikTok and other platforms to humorously express its ‘obsession’ with her.
At one point, Lipa herself acknowledged the joke in an interview, even suggesting a potential collaboration.
So, Why Is Duo Actually 'Dead'?
However, beyond the humour and playful mourning, the ‘Duo is Dead’ campaign appears to have a more practical purpose. With language-learning apps facing the challenge of retaining daily users, Duolingo’s dramatic messaging may be a tactic to encourage lapsed learners to return. The company hinted at this in another post, stating, “Together, if we really try, we can bring Duo back.”
We’ve heard from authorities the best way to channel your grief and unlock more about the investigation is to do your lesson.
— Duolingo (@duolingo) February 12, 2025
Together, if we really try, we can bring Duo back. #RipDuo pic.twitter.com/nkEG840EHN
While some speculated that the stunt might indicate a rebranding or the introduction of a new mascot, it seems more likely that the campaign is an engagement strategy designed to reignite interest in the app’s courses. Whether Duo remains ‘dead’ for long or miraculously resurrects remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: Duolingo has once again found a way to get people talking.
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