The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word RUNG
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
R
U
N
G
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Called/spoke" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case called/spoke = rung.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does RUNG mean?
RUNG noun- A crosspiece forming a step of a ladder; a round.
- A crosspiece between legs of a chair.
- A position in a hierarchy.
- A floor timber in a ship.
- One of the stakes of a cart; a spar; a heavy staff.
- One of the radial handles projecting from the rim of a steering wheel.
- One of the pins or trundles of a lantern wheel.
- Of a bell, etc., to produce a resonant sound.
- To make (a bell, etc.) produce a resonant sound.
- To produce (a sound) by ringing.
- To produce the sound of a bell or a similar sound.
- Of something spoken or written, to appear to be, to seem, to sound.
- To telephone (someone).
- To resound, reverberate, echo.
- To produce music with bells.
- To repeat often, loudly, or earnestly.
- Of a pig: having a ring through the nose.