The term TOTAL MESS can be broken down into four words: SNAFU (5 letters), FIASCO (6 letters), STY (3 letters), and DOGSBREAKFAST (13 letters). SNAFU is an acronym for 'Situation Normal, All Fouled Up, ' which is a military term used to describe a chaotic or confusing situation. A FIASCO is a complete failure, usually due to a lack of organization or planning. A STY is a messy, dirty, and disorganized place. Finally, 'dogs breakfast' is a British slang term for a mess or jumble. Therefore, the term TOTAL MESS can be used to describe a chaotic, disorganized, and dirty situation that has resulted from a complete failure.