The phrase "total idiot" is used to describe someone who is completely unintelligent or foolish. It means they consistently make foolish decisions or lack common sense. Full definition
I'll never understand why people lie to get on TV when they could look like total idiots. (diehardsport.com)
Retard is such a harsh term and I'm sure they're not total idiots, just their belief system that is a pathetic excuse for them to be lazy... it really does shut down the brain. (religion.blogs.cnn.com)