I don't like labels.

While I understand what is meant by that expression, it still seems absurd. Total as opposed to what, partial war? Limited war? Yes, I'm aware those are also valid concepts, specifically in the tactics used by a weaker state against a more powerful opponent, but again, they sound absurd.

War is like a street fight. The only rule is don't lose.

Of course, war itself is absurd and a waste and a horrible thing. But deadly conflict has been part of the human condition since Cain and Abel. World War I was supposedly the war to end all wars, the war that convinced humanity the like should never happen again. How did that work out?