Does the word "anthem" has the same meaning as "song?" Then can I "pop anthem" to replace the word "song"?
Native speaker’s answer
Rebecca
Although "anthem" is sometimes used to mean a very popular song or track, they are not interchangeable. Anthems usually are songs with political or religious messages, meant to praise or show loyalty to someone or something (a monarch or country). Thus, you cannot just call any regular song an anthem. Ex: "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran can be considered one of the most well-loved pop anthems of this decade. Ex: One of the most recognized national anthems in the world is the American national anthem, "Star-Spangled Banner."