Extend/replace form_validation language file

[eluser]frist44[/eluser]
I would like to replace a lot of the form validation messages. I tried to copy over the form_validation_lang.php file into the appliation/language/english folder and modify them there, but the error message didn't change.

Is there a better way to replace a lot of them without modifying the system file? and without writing a bunch of these :

Code:

$this->form_validation->set_message('rule', 'Error Message');

Thanks!